We’ve long know how beneficial it is for both Mama and Baby to spend a good amount of time in what’s called Skin-to-Skin contact as soon after childbirth as possible, preferably immediately if there are no emergency health concerns in play. But what is less well known is the ongoing relevance of Skin-to-Skin contact as a regular component of newborn and infant care. Regular and repeated Skin-to-Skin contact can calm both Baby and Mama, it can help Baby regulate their temperature, and so much more. Here is a short article for easy reference that spells some of these benefits out more fully.

 However, one of my strongest recommendations for guys who want to be great Dads and play an active and important role in Baby’s care is for them to get as much Skin-to-Skin time as possible with Baby too. Obviously, the immediate Skin-to-Skin time should be devoted to Mama and Baby transforming their internal bond to an external one right after childbirth. But that being said, Dads should feel comfortable asking for some Day 1 devoted Skin-to-Skin time with Baby as well.  

Here are my top 3 reasons Skin-to-Skin is great for Dads too. 

1)    Introducing the Man behind the voice. Baby has been listening to you talk, sing, and laugh for months now, especially if you have been intentionally talking directly to them while they are in the womb. Getting Skin-to-Skin time is the official introduction between you and Baby. Beyond just your voice, you want Baby to learn your smell, your touch, your face, and your overall energetic vibe. They will still “feel” your familiar voice as the sound resonates in their body, but now they will sync that feeling up with all of the rest of you too.

2)    This Skin-to-Skin time helps anchor you in Baby’s mind as a “primary caregiver” too. You want Baby to ideally be just as comfortable with as you as they are with Mama for any and every caregiving element beyond breastfeeding. The more you connect with Baby early and often through Skin-to-Skin, the easier the rest of the journey will be. For Baby, for you, and for Mama too. Guys who “hang back” here are the same ones I see really struggling 6 months later with a Baby that only wants Mama for everything.

3)    Finally, this Skin-to-Skin time helps YOU develop YOUR relationship with Baby. Let’s face it. Many men have zero to minimal experience even holding a newborn, much less providing care to them. Start on Day 1 and every day thereafter with lots of Skin-to-Skin to build your comfort and confidence (and Mama’s too!) in the bare simplicity of holding your baby. These moments are great for simply feeling into your relationship with Baby too, and allowing the amazing miracle of their existence to sink in more deeply each time.

 Of course, there are countless other benefits that could be mentioned here too, but these 3 are a great start. Get your skin to skin time with Baby early and often to make your efforts to reach Dad Zone Thriving a little easier for everybody along the way.