How To Get Daddy To Help With Baby

Getting daddy to help with the baby is every mom’s struggle. Some dads help out, some don’t and that’s just the circle of life…LOL just kidding. Dad’s orientation when it comes to childcare is deeply rooted in how he was raised. The first thing you should always remember is your partner was raised differently. Don’t expect him to do things the way you’d do it instead make your own rules together and stick to them.

Communicate: The best time to communicate with dad concerning helping out with the baby is when the baby is asleep. Let him know that you aren’t the only one responsible for caring for your baby, he is too. The mistake most of us make is assuming that daddy ought to know what to do. If you’ve never mentioned it, do not assume that he know so communicate your wishes in a calm manner.

Let him do things his own way: Remember that you are also learning on the job. Cut daddy some slack and trust him to care for baby how he thinks is best. Step in to correct only when it is absolutely necessary.

Tell him what to do: Some dads don’t help because they do not want to but because they do not know how to help. Instead of nagging about all the things he isn’t doing, tell him what to do and- if necessary- how to do it. Ask him to hold the baby while you use the restroom and stay in there for a while, tell him to dress the baby after a bath or change a dirty diaper.

Ask him for be involved: Do not go strutting around the house carrying the baby, doing the dishes, preparing a meal, and doing laundry at the same time as Wonder Woman. That gives off the impression that you are very okay doing it all by yourself thereby making daddy feel comfortable. Remember daddy is also a parent to the baby just as you are. Ask him to take care of the baby while you get things done or take a nap.

Encourage or Introduce daddy-baby bonding activities: If you have a newborn, encourage daddy to engage in skin-to-skin contact with your little one. Daddy could also make up a special song or word for him and baby. Another great idea is strapping the baby to his chest with a sling or baby carrier and going out for walks. Daddy could also take charge of bathtime or reading bedtime stories. The point is to get him to spend time with the baby alone then increase the length of time as time goes by. The added advantage to this is you get more time to yourself.

Appreciate him: Appreciation begets repetition. Appreciate him taking on his role as daddy no matter how seemingly insignificant they might be. This would create an eagerness to learn and do more. A simple ‘thank you for changing baby’s diaper’ would do or you could go all out and buy him a Tesla…LOL!