How dads can connect with their newborn

Discover simple, impactful ways dads can connect with their newborns and support their brain development during those crucial first 1,000 days

How dads can connect with their newborn

Shaping Your Baby’s Brain in the First 1,000 Days

During the first 1,000 days, your wee one can create 1,000 new neural connections every second. During this time, from conception to their second birthday, 80% of their brain development will take place. But these connections need structure and consistency which is where you come in! 

Every interaction with your wee one directly shapes the wiring of their brain, strengthening and refining the connections. These interactions lay the groundwork for your little ones to think, understand, communicate, show emotions and manage their behaviour. 

Building Trust and Connection From Day One

From the moment of conception, your baby has relied entirely on mum for survival. In the first few months, their focus will naturally be on mum as she continues to provide comfort, security, and nourishment. For dads, bonding during this time might feel slow or even frustrating. You might wonder if your efforts are making an impact, especially when the interaction feels minimal. But every moment you spend with your baby—whether holding, talking, or simply being present—helps strengthen their neural connections and lays the foundation for a strong bond.

As your baby grows, so will their ability to interact. By around six months, you'll start to see smiles, laughter, and babbling—a beautiful sign that your efforts are paying off, and a true relationship is beginning to blossom. These early days are the building blocks of trust and connection that will last a lifetime. So even when it feels like you're not getting much back, remember, your presence is invaluable.

Top Tips for Building Connections with Your Baby

Connecting with your baby doesn’t have to be complicated. These simple activities can help you bond while supporting your little one’s emotional and brain development.

  1. Skin-to-Skin: Holding your wee one close helps regulate their temperature, heartbeat, and stress levels, all while creating a strong emotional connection between you both. Find out more on how to get started here.

  2. Touch & Massage: Babies love to be massaged, and learning simple techniques of positive touch has been shown to enhance deep bonding between dads and their children, especially after the 6-8 week health check. It’s a relaxing way to connect and soothe your baby. Watch our video about baby massage here.

  3. Stories & Singing: Reading stories and singing songs to your baby can really boost their brain development. Babies love rhyme, rhythm, and repetition, which is why they enjoy hearing the same story or song over and over. It doesn’t need to be perfect or even follow a script—feel free to make up your own tunes or stories! The most important thing is to keep it fun and engaging for both of you. Read more about the benefits of singing and reading over at Scottish Book Trust, here and here

  4. Gentle Movement: Babies love movement, but it’s important to keep it gentle to ensure their safety. By around 8 months, when your baby can hold their head and neck steady while sitting, try gentle bouncing or lifting them into the air—always ensuring they feel safe and supported.

  5. Playing: Children are natural scientists and explorers - and you’re their first playmate! Simple games like peek-a-boo are not only fun but also help build motor skills and visual tracking. Every time you disappear and reappear, it will amaze and delight your little one, filling their world with wonder.

These activities might seem small, but they have a big impact on building trust, connection, and your baby’s development. Give them a try and enjoy every precious moment together! Find out more…


Tuning in to Your Baby's Needs

When you're spending one-on-one time with your baby, try to put away distractions like your phone or the TV, and focus fully on your little one. Tune in to their needs, and be present in the moment.

Whether it’s through skin-to-skin contact, reading, tickling, singing, or simply hanging out together, every interaction shapes how your baby sees the world. You’re not just bonding—you’re equipping them with the tools to understand and engage with the world around them, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and growth.

Find more tips & guides on communicating with your wee one, and what to expect during those first months, over at Parent Club Scotland!