Most new fathers are just excited about the arrival of the baby as the mother yet the two parents experience completely different things initially. Some fathers find it difficult to bond with their baby instantly as they don't have the physical bond of having carried the baby for nine months nor the ongoing physical bond of breastfeeding.

Some new fathers are overwhelmed by their new found responsibility, both emotionally and financially. You may find that you want to do everything you can for your partner and baby but they are too tired to really respond to you.

In the early stages, it is important for mother and baby to spend a lot of time together, particularly if they are breastfeeding. Don't get jealous if you feel that your baby is more attached to their mother. There is no competition and you needn't worry about who is spending the most time with the baby. You will have time for you and baby. Your partner will be in great need of rest and this is a great time for you to take over. Before you know it, you and your little one will have developed a beautiful bond.

According to research, dads that attend their baby's birth and hold their baby shortly after their birth have the same feelings as mothers. All of the time that you put into being with your new-born will pay off. Do everything that you can because every cuddle and every time you change their nappy, your baby will become more familiar with you.

Male and female are genetically different so it is only natural that fathers will bond with their baby in a different way to mothers. Mother's tend to mainly interact with their new-born through talking whilst fathers tend to engage through playfulness. Although this may be a stereotype, it is generally true in most relationships and the positive for the father is the fact that this could result in your baby's first laugh or smile.

It can take some time before your baby breaks out their first smile but when they do, all of your hard work will have paid off. It can take many weeks but once it happens at a few weeks of age, it will solidify your bond and prove to you that your hard work was all worth it. It is only up from here and soon your baby will be laughing too.