How to bond with your baby

Bonding is an essential process, for both baby and parent. Luckily, bonding is very easy, and it comes as second nature to most moms (and dads!) Bonding is a way to get to know your child, and have your child get to know you. 

1)      Feeding: Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, this is a great time to bond with your baby. When feeding in a calm and comfortable environment (soft music or no noise at all) your baby will not only have their needs met, but will feel calm and secure.  

2)      Touch: Some experts actually recommend that you gently massage your baby, but your touch is what is important here. Skin-to-skin contact will help your baby understand who you are and will help instill the trust and love that will last a lifetime.  

3)      Use Your Voice: your baby has heard your voice all through your pregnancy. Talk softly to your baby while they’re eating, bathing, or just when you’re holding them. You can even sing a lullaby. 

4)      Learn Your baby’s cries: Your baby has different cries for every need: hungry, wet, tired, pain, or just plain boredom. You will learn these different cries over time and will be able to know what your child needs. 

5)      Attend to your baby’s needs: Your baby will learn to trust you when they know they can count on you. Raising a secure and happy child means attending to their needs, like hunger and diaper changes. 

6)      Co-Sleeping: This has raised some controversy, but some experts recommend co-sleeping as a way to bond with your child. Co-sleeping is the method of your baby sleeping in the same room with you and your husband (although not in the same bed.) This is obviously something that you and your other half must discuss together.  Learn how to get enough nutrition as a new mom here.

7)      Eye-to-eye contact: Making eye-to-eye contact with your baby can provide an entirely different type of communication at close range. Smiling and looking into your baby’s eyes will give them a sense that everything is ok. 

8)      Don’t Forget Dad:It’s just as important for dad to bond with baby as it is for moms. Dad can do just about everything mom can do (except breastfeed, and even that can be done with the help of a pump.) A secure and happy family unit is one of the best gifts you can give your child, and when dad is fully involved, you have the makings of the perfect family. 

9)      Hold your Baby: There are those that think rocking and holding your baby will spoil them; nothing could be further from the truth. Holding your baby will help them feel secure. They will grow up to be well-adjusted, confident, and emphatic adults. 

Remember that bonding does not happen overnight. It is a process that can take months. Don’t try to be the perfect parent. You will make mistakes. Learn from them and move on. Make your child your number one priority and they will reward you by becoming productive members of society. Learn how to choose between breastfeeding or formula feeding your baby here now.