Couples share in the care of their babies in different ways. In many families, fathers are very involved with their babies and find that, with a little experience, they are capable of caring for their infants. Research shows that fathers play a very special role in their children's lives.

Here are some ways to help this relationship along:

• Mom needs to:
  
  
  • make sure she is not taking over,
  
  
  
  • notice Dad's caregiving, and let him know how great it is for baby, and
  
  
  
  • encourage Dad to have some time alone with baby.



• Practice really helps fathers feel more relaxed and competent with their babies.



• Dad can be involved with breastfeeding time by:
  
  
  • bringing baby to Mom,
  
  
  
  • changing baby,
  
  
  
  • cuddling in beside baby and Mom during a feeding,
  
  
  
  • burping baby, and
  
  
  
  • settling baby down after a feeding.