What is the most important factor in ensuring bonding between a father and his child?

The presence of the father in the delivery room is a significant factor in fostering an emotional connection between him and his newborn. Being present during the delivery allows the father to actively participate in a profound moment, experiencing the birth of his child firsthand. This involvement can enhance feelings of attachment, coping with the transition into fatherhood, and establishing a bond through shared experience.

Additionally, this early involvement can set the stage for future interactions, allowing the father to feel more engaged in the child's life right from the start. The immediate and physical presence during such a transformative event promotes bonding opportunities that are more impactful than mere frequency of visits or other external factors. The moment crystallizes emotional ties and affirms the father’s role in the child's life, significantly contributing to later parenting practices.