Thursday 5th February 2009 News Index

New research from Heinz Nurture released today reveals that:

• 37% of dads make it their daily duty to get home from work to give their baby's bedtime feed six or seven nights a week
• 75% mums encourage father-baby 'alone time' at least once a day

Amid all the excitement and change that's part and parcel of having a baby, it's common that Dad can feel he's missing out. If he's stuck in the 9-5 work routine, while mum spends precious time with baby, Dad might feel detached and frustrated. After all, he's at work when he'd rather be at home sharing in key experiences of being a parent, such as feeding.

In fact, dads are going that extra mile to be involved as much as possible in feeding and bonding with their baby, reveals a new survey by Heinz Nurture.

The survey of mums across the UK (1) was commissioned by Heinz Nurture follow-on milks and revealed up to 28% of dads made the effort to get home from work once a week to give the bedtime feed while an impressive 37% made it their daily duty by doing it six or seven nights a week.

During baby's first year the majority of feeding and the bonding that comes with it is, naturally, done by the mother. However, it's important - and rewarding – for Dad to get involved in this area as much as possible. Dad's involvement in feeding, as well as changing and bathing, not only gives mum a well earned break, it can also help him feel more involved and closer his child.

The importance mums place on dad and baby spending quality time alone together is highlighted by the majority of mums (75%) saying they encourage father-baby 'alone time' at least once a day. Mums recognised feeding as one of the most important bonding experiences babies and dads can share, along with talking/singing and bathing.

The survey was commissioned by Heinz Nurture Follow-on Milks, which is specially formulated for babies from six months and to complement the weaning diet.

Top 5 Feeding Tips for Dad

1. If you are bottle-feeding, take an active role, by helping to sterilise and prepare the bottles.
2. Enjoy a quiet moment with your baby to give a bottle of milk, your baby will adore spending this special time with you.
3. If mum is busy feeding baby, exercise your culinary skills and treat your partner by cooking a nutritious meal. Even beans on toast tastes amazing when cooked by someone else!
4. Help with winding duties after mum has finished feeding. Men often have the knack – perhaps due to having broader shoulders or bigger hands.
5. Share weekend mealtimes with your baby. Help spoon feeding and make lots of encouraging noises about how good baby’s food is.

1. Survey conducted by Opinion Matters / Tickbox.net between 28.07.2008 and 31.07.2008 amongst a nationally representative sample of UK mothers aged 16+

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