Skin-to-skin contact which is also known as kangaroo care has a variety of benefits for the baby and also provides the ability to heightened bonding with daddy.

As Dad sits with baby skin to skin on his chest, oxytocin (natural “feel good” hormone) levels in his body increase. With increased oxytocin levels, Dad’s testosterone levels decrease. This shift in hormones creates a “relaxation and well-being” response.

It provides the baby to further feel at ease and provides strength in their connection, demonstrating improved weight gain, better body temperature maintenance, and often cries less.

Strong father-child bonds can help counter issues such as depression, anxiety later on in life. Children who experienced close interactions with their fathers from an early age tend to be more successful academically, better equipped to handle stress and be less likely to get involved with violence such as carrying guns on school property or abuse drugs and alcohol.

These important findings should be communicated to parents — especially to dads who may feel that their level of involvement with their newborns doesn’t matter all that much.