Until recently, it was believed that caregiving came instinctively to mums, while it was a skill dads had to learn. However, recent studies have busted that myth, showing that dads are natural caregivers too. 

During pregnancy and the first few months of a baby's life, dads bodies can change significantly to support the transition into parenthood. Hormone levels shift to promote bonding, a family focus, and the areas of the brain associated with affectionate care, threat detection, problem solving, and planning. Brain scans reveal that when responding to their little one’s needs, the same areas of both mums’ and dads’ brains are activated, showing that both parents are equally attentive and ready to spring into action.

How Mums and Dads Parent

While mums and dads share many similarities in their parenting, there are also some interesting and important differences too. When mums look at a picture of their baby, an ancient part of their brain called the 'amygdala,' which is responsible for processing emotions, lights up. This triggers responses related to affection, nurturing, and risk detection. While, for dads, a more modern part of the brain, the 'neocortex,' activates. This area is linked to higher functions like language, motor control, and rational thought.

These differences show how mums and dads often approach parenting in distinct ways. Mums tend to bond through affectionate care and nurturing, while dads are more likely to bond with their child through skill-building and physical play. In doing so, dads help foster their child's resilience, setting the stage for milestones like those first tentative steps.

The Power of a Parenting Team

The first 1,000 days—from conception to your baby’s second birthday—are truly remarkable. During this time, your little one’s brain, body, and immune system are developing at the speed of light. To flourish during this time, babies need a lot: healthy food; safety and security; a nurturing environment, loving relationships, and time to play.  

It is thought that both the physical changes and the differing but complementary ways mums and dads respond to their babies help create a strong and effective parenting team. By bringing their unique strengths to the table, parents can better navigate the significant demands of caring for a newborn. As a team, they share the responsibilities and create a balanced environment that helps their little one begin to understand and engage with the world around them.

Building a Strong Bond

Dads, from the moment they were born, your little one is trying to communicate with you.

The more time you're able to spend one-to-one the better you will get to know each other and the more effective and instinctual you will become as a caregiver. Find out more about bonding with your baby here.

Watch: The Myth Busting Power of Dad Science

In her excellent book, ‘The Life of Dad’, Dr. Anna Machin explores in greater detail the changes that happen in men as they become dads and what drives the powerful bond between father and child.

⬇️ She joined us to talk about the science of dads and bust some popular myths!