After months – maybe even years – of waiting for your newborn baby to arrive, holding that little in your arms for the first time is an incredibly life-changing moment. It is such an exciting time getting to know your newborn baby and introducing them to the world. But it takes time and effort for parents to establish a bond with the baby. For new parents, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. Bonding with your newborn is a natural process, but it can take some intentionality, too. Here are some tips to keep in mind.
Before Baby is Born
Bonding isn’t a one-time event – it’s a process that takes time and effort. There are some special ways to help establish a strong bond between your baby and their parents – well before you welcome the little blessing into the world. Ultrasound exams, where you get to see your baby moving, are one of the first ways to establish a bond. Pregnant parents may also want to invite their partner to feel the baby’s movement and kicks throughout the pregnancy. This helps establish a real connection to the baby before you even meet them.
Welcoming Your Baby
As soon as you hear your baby’s first cry, life changes. Whether you have a Caesarean section, or a quick delivery, the first thing you can do to establish a strong newborn baby relationship is to have skin-to-skin contact. This not only keeps your baby warm, but it also provides a sense of calm as they hear your voice. It can also help regulate their breathing and heartbeat and soothe them as they take in their new environment. Place the baby on your stomach, gently stroking their back. Or simply hold the baby, letting them look into your face. Take some time alone – day and night – in a quiet space to talk to your baby.
Heading Home
Getting to know your newborn baby takes time and patience. Once you are home from the hospital or family birth center and are establishing your new routine at home, it’s important to continue solidifying that bond with your baby. Whether you are breastfeeding are attempting to bottle feed with formula, making eye contact during feeding is a great way to build a strong bond. If you’re not breastfeeding, your partner can help with bottle feeding, which gives the two of them a great chance to bond.
Another great way to bond is by using a baby carrier or sling around the house. Carrying the baby in this way not only gives you an extra hand to do some things around the house, but it’s also a soothing and helpful technique for babies that may be fussy.
Washing your baby is also a relaxing way to bond with them. You can talk or sing to them while you wash them in a sink of warm, soapy water, and gently massage their back or limbs in circular motions. Infant massage can help relax them and help them sleep better and can also stimulate growth and development in the baby. It can also calm a fussy or cranky baby.
Communication is also key; it’s very important to talk to your baby. Babies can recognize the sound of their parents’ voices. So, go ahead and talk to them about anything. If you’re bilingual, speak in both languages. This gives them the foundation to pick up on dual languages earlier in life. And even though your baby can’t speak in words yet, they will try to communicate back with you through eye contact, facial expressions, and body movements. Once you learn what these things mean, it will be easier for you to identify what your baby needs and when they need it.
Talking to young children – even newborns – helps comfort and soothe them and can help them be better communicators as they grow up.
The more time you spend caring for your baby, the more love and connection you will feel. While there is so much to learn during those first few weeks and months – especially as you fight sleep deprivation – there are many wonderful high points to soak in. This time of life flies by and before you know it, your baby will be growing and changing in new ways.
How We Can Help
Welcoming a new baby into your home is a wonderful and exciting time. It’s also a life-changing event that can be a lot to take in. Some new parents find it beneficial to hire a skilled nanny, night nanny, or newborn care specialist to work in the home and provide extra help. We help place compassionate and experienced newborn care specialists in homes around the country, so you can enjoy getting to know your baby and establishing a bond that lasts a lifetime.
