You are about to experience one of the most unique feelings in life. Throughout the process of bonding with your baby you will get to know yourself as a parent and live the experience of connecting to the little creature you brought into this world.
Why is bonding so important?
Bonding with your baby is not only important for your life at home, but also essential for your child’s development. Especially at such a young age, babies are in constant need of care. They need to feel nurtured and safe.
Ways of bonding with your baby
If bonding is so essential, what should I do if I don’t feel a connection right away? Do not worry, it often is a gradual process. You are not only getting to know another human being; you are also discovering yourself as a parent. But here are some of the things that can help when it comes to bonding with your baby:
- Skin-to-skin contact. This happens during breastfeeding, but not only. There is no secret, all you need to do is put your baby in direct contact with your skin, so they can smell your sent and hear your heartbeat.
- Talk to your baby.
- React and respond to crying. You may not always have a solution to why they are crying, sometimes all you have to do is hold them through it. That way they will know you are there for them.
- Talk to your baby. It will not only establish a connection between the two of you, but it will also expose the baby to language.
- Sing to your baby. Babies are not music critics; they would not mind if you sang out of key or if the lyrics are wrong. They would, however, feel calmer.
- Make eye contact while talking and feeding your baby.
- Do something loving to other people in your household. It may not seem obvious right now, but your baby will be influenced by the way people in your house treat each other.
- Touch and cuddle your baby.
- Include them, make your baby listen, look and feel things.
Understanding your baby’s responses
As new as they are to this world, babies only know how to express themselves through their body language. When they feel uncomfortable, they will cry and look upset. When they are seeking connection they may make noises, laugh or smile at you, maintain eye contact and look curious and interested.
Bonding with other people
Babies will always be more attached to the ones that care for them the most. When they are newborns, these people are usually their parents. However, it is important to keep in mind that they can also bond and connect with other people at this stage. It does not mean that the parents are not enough. Only by establishing connections with more people your baby will learn about trust and relationships patterns with others. It is beneficial for your baby to have other people to rely on and feel safe in their company.
Sources:
- Bartz, J. F. L. A. A. (2019, April 1). 30 Little Ways to Bond With Baby. Parents.
- Bonding and attachment: newborns. (2020, August 11). Raising Children Network.