This Is What Happens When A Dad Cuddles With His Baby

Most often after a baby’s birth when we think of bonding we instantly think of mothers and the connection they share with their baby. While it is true that babies bond first and foremost with their mothers and it is imperative that this bond is formed, another bond which is equally important is the one that is shared between fathers and their newborns.

Mothers used to be viewed as the sole caregivers and nurturers of their infants. A deep connection was encouraged from the moment the baby and mother were introduced to one another. But times have changed. Fathers are more hands-on and eager to be part of the child’s life from infancy.

In fact, research suggests that a father’s involvement early on can reduce the risk of ailment in a child. Their presence in the life of their child can have a significant impact on their all-round development – be it social, emotional or educational. Children who have had shared a strong bond with their fathers in not just their infancy but while growing up have been known to lead far more successful, stress-free, healthy and confident lives. Thus it is important that fathers spend quality time with their babies and form a strong emotional bond with them.

Image: IStock

Hormones are a big part of our body and they not only influence the way our body grows and develops, but also the way we behave. We may experience hormonal changes at different stages of our lives for different reasons. A new study shows that not only mothers but also fathers experience a hormonal change on becoming a parent. Hormones which are central in developing a mother’s bond with her baby are also present in fathers. It says that the hormone oxytocin, or as it is better known – the love hormone or cuddle hormone, is present in both mothers and fathers after the birth of their child at similar levels. This hormone affects our emotional and social behavior. It assists in social bonding and attachmentwhichis what helps fathers form a bond of their own with their babies.

Image: IStock

A study was done on first-time fathers to determine their levels of oxytocin hormone and the effect it has on them and their bond with their baby. It revealed that the oxytocin levels found in these fathers were not that different from the oxytocin levels found in mothers. Researchers evaluated these levels in fathers twice at two different stages after the child’s birth – once at 6 weeks, and the next at 6 months. Each time the oxytocin levels were monitored and measured along with the behavioral patterns it resulted in, in the fathers. This study helped in determining the impact this hormone had on new fathers and their subsequent effect on the child through their interactions and the bond they formed.

Image: IStock

While a surge of the oxytocin hormone is typically found in mothers during childbirth and breastfeeding and plays an important role in strengthening the bond between a baby and its mother, fathers are also known to get a boost of the hormone when interacting with their babies. Fathers who then tend to spend more time with, and engage more with their newborns, successfully form a strong connection with them as the oxytocin hormone increases empathy and the stimulus required to care for the child.

If you are someone who didn’t think babies bonding with their dads was important and crucial to your child’s development, now is the time to set aside the misconception and get on the bonding train. This will ensure a happy home environment for a happy, healthy child who in turn will grow up into a confident, strong adult.

Both mothers and fathers bond in unique ways with their babies, and while a mother’s bond is cherished, a father’s bond is equally valuable and will only further benefit your child.

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