Babies do not have long memories. Seeing the father every day, rather than every other weekend, will deepen their bond. Visitation should gradually increase every month or two, but overnights should not begin until the child has become accustomed to one or two full-day stays. Full-day visits must also be worked up to by increasing time lengths by an hour or two every month or so. Then increase overnights a few hours every month, gradually working up to full weekends.
Weeklong separations are inappropriate for children under five.
Most fathers need to acquire certain parenting skills as the baby grows. As visitations gradually lengthen, the father must learn how to cope with his child, responding to the child's needs and patterns, such as bath time, naps, allergies, and favorite foods. A good visitation plan may require sacrifices or compromises by both parents. Your own convenience should always take lower priority than what is best for the child. Too often the father is not willing to visit frequently, or the mother does not want to see the father so often.