28/03/2026
New research shows that babies who experience skin-to-skin contact with their fathers during the first hour after birth have better health outcomes. Studies reveal that this bonding moment leads to higher levels of oxytocin, a hormone essential for emotional bonding and stress reduction. Babies who are held close by their fathers also cry less and sleep more soundly during their first 24 hours.
This natural and simple practice has profound benefits for newborns. The physical closeness not only strengthens the emotional connection between father and child but also plays a vital role in the baby’s early development. The release of oxytocin enhances feelings of security, promoting a calmer and more peaceful start to life. Babies who receive this care tend to adjust better to their new environment and experience fewer signs of distress.
Fathers are encouraged to take an active role in this critical bonding experience, as it can positively impact the baby’s emotional and physical development. Skin-to-skin contact with dads is now recognized as an essential part of the early bonding process, benefiting both the baby and the father.