Calling all new dads! If you’re not quite sure how to start connecting with your newborn, you’re not alone. While some parents begin bonding with their babies immediately, it’s also completely common for some parents (both mom and dad) to feel a little uncertain about how to start getting close to their baby.

But bonding is really important. Whatever the long-term effects might be, one thing’s for sure: Strong, healthy relationships will boost your baby’s development by giving him a sense of security and self-esteem. What’s more, forming those ties can start as soon as your baby is born. It's something you’ll be able to do during the course of your everyday routine. Here’s how.

Hold him
You love your baby, and your baby will love being in your arms. New dads should carry their newborns, cradle them, and keep them close to their skin for added bonding.

Massage him
Simple massages can help your baby relax and fall asleep. The key is to massage very gently. You might enjoy taking a class in infant massage at your local hospital, or reading up on the subject.

Communicate with him
Your baby might not have any idea what you’re saying, but that doesn’t mean he loves hearing the sound of your voice any less. Whether you're reading, singing, or talking to your baby (or even mimicking those adorable cooing noises), you’ll stimulate his senses and deepen your attachment.

Give him a bath
Bathing your newborn will help both of you relax after a busy day and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.

Wear your baby
When you want to be near your newborn but aren’t actually able to hold him (maybe you're typing or folding his laundry), you can wear him instead. Putting your baby in a front carrier will help him feel cozy against your chest -- just make sure his carrier offers good head and neck support.

Photo by Larry Crayton on Unsplash

Imagine you are at a fancy restaurant having a great time with your best friends. You’re about to tell a funny joke when, without any warning, you’re yanked away from the party and dropped into bed. It would be hard to fall asleep, right? Heck, you’d probably want to cry! This is exactly how your baby feels without a bedtime routine: confused, grumpy, and a little stunned.

A bedtime routine gives your baby a heads-up that it’s time to wind down. The process also minimizes crying, making bedtime a wonderful bonding opportunity instead of a fight. And as sleep-deprived parents everywhere can affirm, there’s nothing quite as beautiful as a soundly sleeping baby (and a chance for some precious grown-up time!). 

Be consistent …
Reading a book or taking a bath is relaxing no matter your age, but it’s not necessarily the story or the bubbles that help you fall asleep. The most important part of a baby bedtime routine is its consistency. If you follow a specific pattern -- whether it’s singing a song, giving your baby a gentle massage, or slow dancing to soft music in a dark room -- your baby will start to expect what’s coming up (sleep!).

… but don’t be too consistent!
If you’ve ever gone on vacation and forgotten to bring your baby’s special teddy bear (oh, the horror!), you know that flexibility is a crucial part of peaceful baby sleep. Encourage your baby to be adaptable by tweaking the routine ever so slightly now and then. If your baby enjoys white noise, switch between a fan and a noise machine. If your baby usually sleeps in footed pajamas, try a sleep sack once or twice a week.

Bedtime cuddles are one of the sweetest parts of parenting, but all moms can use a break once in a while. Here’s a great reason to have the other parent, a grandparent, or a babysitter occasionally put your baby to sleep: If your baby gets accustomed to you always doing it, she may struggle to fall asleep when anyone else attempts the bedtime routine. So kick back on the couch and let someone else put your baby down every now and then -- it will pay off in the future.

Keep it short and sweet
Your baby’s bedtime routine doesn’t need to be a complicated dance that leaves you exhausted. Try 10 to 15 minutes of reading books, singing lullabies, or playing quietly in a dim room. Signal with your tone and mannerisms that it’s getting close to bedtime -- speak softly and give a few big yawns. (You may not even have to fake them!)

Then change your baby’s diaper, offer a bottle or your breast, brush her teeth or gums, and put her in comfy pajamas. Lots of moms have success with swaddling, which makes newborns feel extra secure; plus, they look pretty darn cute wrapped up like a baby burrito!

Try putting your baby to sleep when she is drowsy, not already wiped out in your arms. If she wakes up in the middle of the night and is no longer with you, your baby may become confused and struggle to go back to sleep without you.

Photo by Paul Hanaoka on Unsplash

Infants can get hemorrhoids, but fortunately, they’re quite uncommon. Hemorrhoids may occur when blood vessels around the anus become engorged from poor circulation. Eventually, they bulge under the strain of a bowel movement and may even bleed.

If you notice bluish coloration around your baby’s anus when she’s having a bowel movement, it might mean she’s pushing too hard. The strain may cause little tears in your baby’s anus, which can cause bleeding.

Grunting or straining while pushing out a stool is normal in young infants. They may become red in the face while passing a bowel movement (BM) as a side effect of pushing too hard. Brief straining or pushing for less than 10 minutes can occur occasionally at any age.

Her discomfort may be caused by constipation. Ask your doctor for the best ways to help relieve your baby’s symptoms.

Photo by Ryan Franco on Unsplash

Would you rather win the lottery or get a full night’s sleep?

If you even paused to consider your answer, congratulations -- you must be a new mom! While your heart is bursting with joy, your eyelids are probably as heavy as bricks. Baby-induced sleep deprivation is something you just can’t understand until you live through it.

Try these baby sleep solutions to get a peaceful night for both you and your little one:  

Baby sleep solutions: Newborns to 3 weeks
Your brand-new baby will sleep 16 to 18 hours a day but will probably wake up every 2 to 3 hours to eat. Of course, this will vary with every baby.

While a newborn’s sleep-wake cycle may be rough on you, it’s perfectly normal -- and necessary for your baby’s survival. A 3-week-old baby is incapable of being spoiled, and it’s important to create a sense of security by responding to your baby’s cries.  

Even though he’ll be up around the clock, it’s also crucial to teach your baby the difference between daytime and nighttime. Be playful and interact with him when he wakes up during the day, but keep lights dim and your voice low when he wakes up at night. Eventually, he’ll start to sleep for longer stretches at night.

Many parents swear by the shush noise to help relax fussy babies. Make a loud (very loud!) “shhh, shhh, shhh” noise while gently swaying him back and forth -- this mimics the noises and sensations in the womb. Swaddling your baby can also help him feel secure.

And take heart: The first few weeks are rough, but your baby’s sleep routine will get easier.

Baby sleep solutions: 2 to 4 months
The fastest consolidation of baby sleep occurs in the first four months of life, which means your sweet baby will probably be sleeping for longer stretches soon, if he isn’t already.

The phrase “sleeping through the night” is a bit of a misnomer -- it can mean sleeping for stretches of eight hours, from midnight to 5 a.m., or from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Most babies sleep through the night by 2 to 3 months of age (yippee!), but some babies don’t until they’re much older.

However, you can help your 2- to 4-month-old baby develop healthy sleep habits -- which means you’ll sleep better, too! Your baby may wake up several times a night, even when he isn’t hungry. If he hasn’t learned to put himself back to sleep, he may cry for you. Putting your baby down when he’s drowsy but not completely asleep can help him learn to soothe himself back to sleep.

Babies often wiggle around and can make considerable noise when they sleep. When you hear a whimper, wait a few minutes before rushing to his aid. Give your baby a chance to put himself back to sleep.

Baby sleep solutions: Babies of all ages
There’s no need to crank up the thermostat or over-bundle your baby. If you’re comfortable in pajamas and a light blanket, he’ll also be comfortable in jammies and a sleeping sack or swaddle. Staying comfortable also means staying dry. Put him in a diaper that wicks moisture away and provides protection from leaks.

Finally, always put your baby on his back to sleep in a smoke-free space. Keep his crib or bassinet clear of blankets, toys, pillows, or crib bumpers, which can be suffocation hazards.