The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
Breastfeeding and Infant Safe Sleep Support for Dads and Partners
Breastfeeding and Infant Safe Sleep Support for Dads and Partners
Partners can help support baby’s everyday care by sharing tasks such as soothing, playing, and bathing. This can help both parents bond with baby. Learn more about how a father’s/partner’s involvement matters both during pregnancy and after baby’s arrival.
As a partner, there are also many ways you can support breastfeeding and infant safe sleep practices. For breastfeeding, support from partners is important in the decision to initiate and continue feeding human milk. For infant safe sleep, support from partners can be important in making sure baby is always sleeping safely.
Supporting Breastfeeding
- Learn more about breastfeeding and why it is recommended.
- Watch for hunger cues and bring the baby to the breastfeeding person during feeding times. Watch this video for more information about responsive feeding.
- When the other parent is breastfeeding, check in with them and make sure that they have everything they need.
- If there is a chance the breastfeeding parent could fall asleep during a feeding, check on them. Watch this video to learn more about how partners can help make sure that baby is sleeping safely.
- Offer to change the infant's diaper before/after feedings and to burp the baby as needed.
- If baby is taking a bottle, offer to help with feeding.
- Learn how to clean bottles and breast pumps so you can help with these tasks.
- Create opportunities for the breastfeeding parent to get additional rest.
- Provide encouragement and words of affirmation to the breastfeeding person.
WIC offers additional information on how partners can provide support before the baby arrives, at the hospital, and at home.
Supporting Infant Safe Sleep
- Learn more about the safe sleep guidelines and why they are recommended.
- Make sure baby’s sleep space (crib, bassinet or pack and play) stays clutter-free.
- Make sure any products used are safe for sleep.
- Learn how to plan ahead for safe sleep when you are tired.
- Move baby to their safe sleep space if the breastfeeding parent and baby have fallen asleep together during a feeding.
Fatherhood Resources
- Present Pillars - Berrien County
- The Children's Center Fatherhood Initiative - Detroit
- Detroit Fatherhood Initiative
- 4DAD Fatherhood Program – Kalamazoo County
- Fatherhood Network - Kalamazoo County
- Dads Count! - Kent County
- The Delta Project Young Fathers Initiative - Kent County
- InvolvedDad - United States
Photo by Cribs for Kids.