How to Bond with Your Newborn?

In case you haven’t heard from other parents, time flies when it comes to growing up with your baby. One moment you are cradling them in your arms right after they came into this world, and before you know if, they are already up and running. Hence, it is during their early years in childhood that you should cherish your child’s moment of growth and build a healthy relationship between you and your child. A great place to start is from your child’s newborn stage! Some new parents might not have a good idea on how to foster an intimate relationship with their newborn, and that is normal. This article would cover the know-hows of establishing a great bond between you and your little bundle of joy!

Always Communicate with Your Baby

First and foremost, communication is key in any relationship and that includes your relationship with your newborn too. During their initial stage of growth, babies have yet to develop the ability to speak but they do communicate with certain verbal and visible cues. They cry, giggle, and get curious about their surroundings too! All of these cues would only signify one clear thing, they need you. They need you to hold them and talk to them frequently. During pregnancy, you can also foster an initial bond with your baby by rubbing your tummy or simply talking to your baby. Post-pregnancy wise, you can opt to sing them a lullaby or read them a bedtime story. These activities have been proven to build a healthy relationship between parent and child. Interested in baby books and other baby bedtime essentials? MumChecked has every baby care essentials you need!

Hold Your Baby and Keep Them Safe

Remember what we said about the previous point where the baby would need you to hold them? Yes, that is exactly what you need to do to establish a healthy relationship between you and the baby. Babies require their parent’s presence for a majority of the day, probably around two-thirds of the day. Granted, you are not going to hold them 24/7 but by simply spending enough time holding and keeping them safe (keep eye contact while you hold them too), the baby will develop trust and they will be more comfortable with you. 

Stay close to your baby while they are asleep

When was the last time you slept in your parent’s company? Seems like a lifetime ago isn’t it? Why did you need them to be with you during naptime? Was it because you were scared of the dark? Spiders? The Boogeyman? Whatever it is, the fact remains that you needed your parents to help you sleep better. The same logic applies especially to your newborn. They will need you to keep them company so that they can sleep better. Not only they would be able to sleep better at night, but you would also be able to strengthen your ties with your newborn through this quality time

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Play with Them

This is probably the easiest way to create a strong bond with your child. Children generally bond with everyone during playtime, which explains why it is so easy for them to be friends with their peers! This is an opportunity for you to kick back, relax and have fun with your kids. Who knows? You might make this activity a staple for your weekends. Make time to do things together such as gardening, playing catch, badminton or even football. The options are vast!

Breastfeed

Specifically for mothers, breastfeeding your child would make the child feel closer and more comfortable with you. Not only would you be able to communicate and pamper them thoroughly, but you will also be able to experience one of the most surreal and beautiful moments of motherhood.

Massage Them Gently

Perhaps one of the best ways to develop physical intimacy while at the same time put your baby to sleep easily. Massaging your babies would allow them to ease into their fatigue and made them feel relaxed. A baby or child can only achieve this when they are comfortable enough. Thus, this is one of the most effective ways to bond with your baby.

In conclusion, establishing a healthy parental bond with your child might not be as easy as you thought, but that’s to be expected and that is normal. There is no need to be upset or panic when you have yet to bond with your kids. Nobody is born a trained parent, parenthood is meant to be learned and acquired. It is a part of your learning curve. So chin up parents, the fact that you are willingly here to learn and improve have already proven that you are a good parent!