Whether you’re a brand new dad or a baby is still on the way, you might be feeling a little out of your element when it comes to bonding with your baby. After all, when a baby doesn’t do much more than eat, sleep, swallow and cry, how do you create that strong bond?

Studies show that bonding with your child has a big impact on their mental and physical well-being. And babies come into this world ready to bond with their parents. But many dads can feel overwhelmed because they may not have much experience with children. It can seem like mom or grandpa already has it all figured out while you struggle to know what to do.

Hooking up can seem a lot harder than it really is. You’d be surprised how many skills you have that can make you a natural at caring for and bonding with your baby. Try these simple suggestions to build on those skills and help build a father-child bond in no time.

You don’t have to wait until the baby arrives to start bonding with him. But a common question we hear is: How can a father bond with a child in the womb? You can start the connection using some of the following suggestions.

One of the best ways to start father-baby bonding before birth is to join your partner in prenatal appointments. You’ll be able to hear your baby’s heartbeat, see how they’re moving on the ultrasound screen, and hear developmental updates directly from the doctor or clinic.