Bonding Time with Your Baby
Most parents hit it off with their little ones right away. The tremendous need to bond with a newborn is normally triggered by an intense emotion that fills the parent-particularly the mother-with feelings of love and the immutable urge to protect her young one. For some people, however, this may require a longer period especially after a complicated pregnancy or a strenuous labor. Nonetheless, “my first baby” guidebooks usually reiterate the value of bonding time in spite of the preceding circumstances.
The Importance of Bonding Time
Research suggests that babies who cultivate satisfying relations with their parents are likely to develop into well-adjusted and confident adults. Plus, they have also shown to do better in school. The need to spend quality time with your baby is natural and part of our evolution as a species. It’s an instinctive process designed to keep the baby safe and to ensure strong family connections (critical for the survival of the group or tribe).
Bonding Tips For Parents
If you wish to improve your relationship with your little one, you need to make an effort, especially if you are time poor. Here are a few tips we have put together for you:
1) Use touch
One of baby’s earliest means of communication is through touch. So make the most of this by holding your little one closely. You may cradle her/him in your arms or make use of a sling as an alternative in case you need to carry out a few chores. The point is to keep them close to your body for good periods of time.
Or you could play some really fun games with them that will not only help bond with your little one but also contribute to their healthy development.
2) Breastfeed
Breastfeeding a baby will guarantee that they get frequent close contact with mum. This certainly helps foster an early connection between mother and child. Sadly, the task isn’t always that easy. In order to resolve breastfeeding difficulties and other related issues, you may need to seek the advice of a midwife or specialist breastfeeding consultant or simply talk to an experienced parent who can help you with your predicament.
3) Sing or hum a tune
It doesn’t really matter if you’re a good singer or not so long as you are willing to give it a go. Your little angel will love listening to your voice just the same. Even the metrical nature of popular nursery rhymes is extremely comforting and is thought to facilitate language development.
If you are a little creative, you might make up songs to suit what you are doing with baby. I remember I would make up songs as I changed nappies or gave her a bath. It was fun and she could still remember some of them when she was older.
4) Give your baby a massage
A massage offers a more planned and controlled manner of touching your little one. And aside from the excellent bonding time it affords, it greatly encourages your baby’s mental and physical growth.
5) Talk to your baby
Although your little one may not comprehend what you’re saying, they will love hearing you talk about anything under the sun. In addition, your baby will gain confidence from the fact that you’re always there for them even though you still have tons of household chores to do.
6) Make the most of daily activities
Even the time spent on nappy-changing can be used as a wonderful bonding time. Be sure to take advantage of the opportunity to just talk to, kiss or cuddle your baby. Constantly tell your little angel how much you love and adore them.
So don’t let a fast-paced life stop you from bonding with your baby. Learn to be in the moment and take pleasure in every minute you spend with them.
This time will never come again, and the old saying is true – they grow up too fast – so enjoy this time with your little one, talk and play with them and just be present with them as they grow up, because that’s one thing none of us can stop from happening!
