One of the greatest joys of parenthood is the immeasurable feeling of attachment to your new child. Although new parents won’t always experience this feeling right away, this special sense of closeness can be nurtured over time by regularly bonding with your newborn.
Bonding is essential for your baby’s development, providing an important sense of security and contributing to better socialization later on in life. And since the first few weeks of your baby’s life will help set the stage for your relationship, the sooner you can start the bonding process, the better.
Let’s take a look at some great ways to start bonding with your newborn in the first few weeks.
Cuddling
Holding and cuddling your new baby is a perfect way to start the bonding process, and the therapeutic effects are truly astounding. Babies are extremely receptive to touch, and cuddling is incredibly useful when soothing. Ideally, you want to cuddle your baby in a calm, quiet environment so that he or she can truly experience the full benefits of your relaxing touch.
One of the best things about cuddling is that it is not just beneficial for your baby – it is just as valuable for you! Finally getting to hold your baby close is truly one of the richest rewards of parenthood.
Communication
Communicating with your baby early on can encourage better reading, writing, and interpersonal skills both later in childhood and later in life, and there is no shortage of ways to communicate. Although baby obviously won’t understand the words you are saying, they will pick up on the general meaning as well as the overall tone.
In addition to talking as a means of communicating, you can also try singing, humming, or even imitating baby talk. Touch is another great way to communicate, such as stroking your baby’s hair or gently caressing that silky-soft skin.
Keep in mind that baby will also try communicating with you – generally in the form of crying – but you’ll quickly learn to decipher whether a cry signifies the need for a feeding, a diaper change, or even a comforting touch.
Carrying
What better way to stay mobile and keep your new baby close than by wearing them? Wearing your child in a carrier, sling, or wrap is a great way to physically connect when you’re on the go. Feeling your baby’s warmth and smelling his or her sweet scent can do wonders for bonding. Plus, your baby will have the chance to see the world from your perspective, and this new view will help baby tune into his or her environment.
The rewards of bonding with your new baby truly are two-fold – not only will you have a happier, more well-adjusted baby, you will also reap one of the greatest rewards of parenthood.
So bond with your baby as much as you can in those irreplaceable beginning weeks, and enjoy every minute of your precious, priceless moments together.
