How to Bond With a New Baby

The emotional bond between parent and child is essential for healthy growth and development. Newborns need that attachment from birth, but new parents are often confused about how to bond with their new baby. Fortunately, time and attention are the main requirements in this important process, but some specific activities can foster that connection.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Hold the baby close. A newborn baby's eyes focus best about a foot away, so he can see the face of his mother while he breastfeeds, for example. Dads and others can hold the baby in the same position while bottle-feeding or just cuddling.
2. Look into her eyes. New babies can recognize faces and follow movements right away, so a lot of communication and bonding will take place visually.
3. Touch his skin. Skin-to-skin contact helps your baby recognize and feel comfortable with you. Many experts also advise gentle infant massage as a reassuring way of bonding with your baby.
4. Talk or sing to your baby. She has probably learned to recognize your voice even before birth, so it is a soothing sound to let her know you are there. Your vocalizations now will also help prepare your baby to talk.
5. Let him know you're there. A baby needs to know he can rely on you, so answer when he cries out. This trust buildup now will keep the bond strong for years to come.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't worry that you might spoil your baby if you respond too quickly or too often. Eventually, you'll work into a routine that helps your baby sleep through the night--use the first weeks to bond with your baby.