5 things moms can do to help build a good father

1. Give him time alone with the baby — to the level you’re both comfortable with — so he has time to work on his skills without you looking over his shoulder.

2. Be clear about the help and support you want from him. Don’t make him read your mind.

3. Try not to over-correct his baby care techniques, though it will be very hard to do this at times.

4. Encourage him to find one part of baby care where he can become the master of his domain. Bath time works for a lot of guys.

5. Help him rock that baby carrier. Carriers are a great way for fathers and babies to get much-needed physical contact.

Note: This article is part of a larger feature on supporting your partner, originally published in Today’s Parent Pregnancy. To read more, click on the following links:

• What you need to know about new parenthood
• A guy's guide to new moms
• A girl's guide to new dads
• 5 things dads can do to help build a good mother