This post contains affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
Bonding with your newborn baby is an important aspect of early parenthood. Bonding is the intense attachment between a baby and their parent. It makes parents want to shower their babies in love and affection. The relationship you build with your baby during these early months sets the foundation for their social and emotional development. As your baby grows, you will learn other ways to bond with your baby, but for now explore some tips and tricks for bonding with your newborn.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact is an effective way to promote bonding with your newborn baby. This practice involves holding your baby on your bare chest, with a blanket draped over both of you. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of love and connection. Some tips for practicing skin-to-skin contact include: scheduling uninterrupted time for bonding, making sure the room is warm and quiet, and practicing skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth.
Eye Contact
Eye contact is another important aspect of bonding with your newborn. Making eye contact with your baby helps build a connection and can promote positive feelings between you and your baby. Try to hold your baby close and make eye contact while you feed or comfort them, hold this gaze as long as they’re interested in you. As they grow, they will start to recognize your face and get excited to see you. Those first smiles will come from recognizing mom or dad, and those are moments you’ll want to soak in and keep with you forever.
Talk to Your Baby
Talking to your baby is an easy way to bond with them. Babies are comforted by the sound of their parents’ voices, even from an early age. You can talk to your baby by narrating your day-to-day activities, singing lullabies or songs, and using a high-pitched, sing-song voice. Soon after your baby enters the world they may start to babble back to you. It’s important that you explore this with your baby. You can start to have back and forth babble conversation to help your baby learn language and dialog.
Baby Massage
Massaging your baby can be a relaxing way to bond with them. Gently rubbing your baby’s back, arms, and legs can promote relaxation and calmness. When massaging your baby you should using gentle pressure, making sure your hands are warm, make eye contact and smile and talk to your baby. Baby massage is also said to encourage muscle tone and development while helping both you and your baby relax. In some cases, it can also help ease digestion and stomach upset.
Be Present
Finally, one of the most important aspects of bonding with your baby is simply being present. Spending time with your baby, even if you’re not doing anything specific, can help build a connection between you and your baby. While you’re bonding with your newborn baby, try to put away distractions like phones and computers, making eye contact with your baby, and practice deep breathing to help you relax and focus on the present moment. These precious moments will come and go ever so quickly. It’s important to know that you did your best to enjoy each and every one.
Bonding with your newborn is an essential part of their development and well-being, as well as your own. While it may take time and effort, the rewards of a strong and loving bond with your baby are immeasurable. Remember that every parent-child relationship is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient with yourself and your baby, and don’t hesitate to seek support if needed. By bonding with your newborn baby, you can create a nurturing and loving environment for your child to thrive in, and build a lasting bond that will benefit both of you for years to come.
- https://nurturedbirth.com.au/eye-contact-with-babies/#:~:text=If%20your%20baby%20starts%20to,long%20as%20they’re%20interested
- https://www.lancastergeneralhealth.org/health-hub-home/motherhood/the-first-year/infant-massage-benefits-and-techniques#:~:text=Stimulation%3A%20Infant%20massage%20stimulates%20babies,%2C%20respiration%2C%20and%20oxygen%20flow.