Welcome to the world of parenthood, parents! From the very first day that you know you were pregnant, you probably imagined how you would carry and hold your cute, little baby for the very first time. You imagined how bonding with your baby would be, how you would spend your moments together, and how your home would be filled with so much joy and love. It is so magical, isn’t it?
What does bonding mean?
When we say bonding with your baby, it is about always responding to their needs with so much love, care, and warmth. You attend to their needs so you become their most trusted and special person. You create a bond between you that nothing can ever break you apart. It is a special attachment that is formed between parents and their new baby.
Bonding with your baby can be immediate, wherein parents fall in love at first sight on their little baby. In some cases, it takes a few days or weeks of parenthood to feel that special bond between you and your little bundle of joy. So, just be patient and don’t feel pressured if you still haven’t bonded yet with your baby.
Why do parents need to bond with their babies?
To give the newborn a sense of security and self-esteem, parents should always bond with their baby. Doing this also helps them to have a genuine connection to their new little bundle of joy. However, bonding starts even when the baby was still in the womb, and it just gets stronger when you finally see her on the ultrasound screen, and finally carry it in your arms
How to identify your baby’s bonding attachment and behavior
Did you know that bonding with your baby plays a major role in your baby’s development?
You may find it cute as your newborn also used body language to let you know when he needs something, or when she wants to connect with you and make your bond even stronger. Here are the common signs that indicate your baby wants to bond with you.
- Cries.
- Makes tiny sounds, like giggles, coos, or laughs
- Makes eye contact while smiling
- Looks calm, relaxed, and interested
Adorable ways on how to bond with your baby
Bonding with your baby can be done in so many ways and here are some of them.
1. Breastfeed your baby
Breastfeeding is not just about feeding or nourishing your hungry baby. It is also a way to bond with her, hear your heartbeat, feel your skin, and smell your scent.
Read also: Breastfeeding: 12 Facts That Prove Breastfeeding is a Real Superpower
2. Massage
Massage allows you to have skin-to-skin contact with your baby. Aside from the many amazing benefits of massaging your baby, doing this to her will definitely make her giggle and feel cared for and secured.
Read also: Pregnancy Massage: Your Benefits Along With Your Baby
3. Look into her eyes during feeding
Make your little one feel so special by keeping eye contact during your feeding sessions. This gesture will give you all those credits for all the feedings and let her know how she means to you and what you mean to her.
Read also: Breastfeeding Tips and Guide for New Moms
4. Attend to her when she cries
Always let your baby know that you’re there for her by responding to her cries, most especially for the first few months. Build trust and connection by picking her up when she cries or by simply singing and dancing to her to make her settle.
Read also: Frequent and Severe Crying of Babies
5. Be silly
Being silly sometimes is fun. Get the attention of your little one by wiggling your eyebrows, rolling your eyes, or simply stuck your tongue out. These will absolutely make you earn that special smile from your cute baby.
6. Talk to your baby
Your voice is powerful so feel free to talk to your baby even in the first few months. This way of bonding with your baby will also allow you to release all the stress of motherhood.
Read also: The Important Tips To Get Baby Talking
7. Smell and kiss your baby
While your sweet baby is helpless in her first few years, enjoy the chances of giving him your sweetest smooches!
Read also: A Peck on the Lips: Is it Safe to Kiss Your Baby on the Lips?
Final thoughts
Most moms fall in love for the very first time they saw their baby. But, if you are not one of them, it’s OK and normal. Sometimes attachment and bonding with your baby take a few weeks or months to develop and you shouldn’t be pressured.
To help you out develop a bond with your baby, you can try these tips:
- Spend time just being together and enjoy those moments.
- Discover what your baby likes and dislikes.
- Respond well to your baby’s needs.
Cherish every moment you get to spend with your little one!
Read also:
- 9 Practical Tips on How to Help New Parents
- 9 Things You Start to Give-up Once Baby Arrives
- 6 Tips to Prepare Your Home and Yourself for Your Newborn
