Fathers' experiences singing to their infants: an interpretative phenomenological analysis

Infant-directed singing (ID singing) is a powerful phenomenon with well-established clinical applications for infants and parents. Existing research, however, focuses primarily on mothers, leaving a critical gap in the literature.

This study explores fathers' experiences singing with their infants, specifically examining how fathers engage in and perceive singing to their infant; the factors that influence fathers' singing; and how, if at all, singing influences father-infant bonding. Semi-structured interviews with thirteen fathers were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).

Fathers in this study sang intuitively, expressively, and responsively to their infants. They perceived singing as a predominantly positive experience that regulated their emotions, although they also described occasional challenges with singing. Fathers' singing was influenced by their heritage, spouse, and fatherhood role. While fathers expressed some uncertainty regarding singing's immediate influence on father-infant bonding, many hoped music could help them relate to their child in the future.

Though findings align with previous research on maternal ID singing, participants' accounts highlighted distinct aspects of their ID singing experiences. In order to meet fathers' unique needs and promote equitable family-centered care, interventionists must account for fathers' experiences when designing music interventions. Implications for music interventions and recommendations for future father-infant musicality research are discussed.