Bonding involves developing a strong attachment between you and your baby. You may feel joy, protectiveness and great love as you care for your baby.
Bonding is an important building block for their future. When you meet their needs, they learn to trust – trust that they will be cared for and cared about. Meeting those needs makes your baby feel safe and secure. Creating those strong bonds and trusting relationships will help your infant learn to trust others in the future.
Bonding with your baby is a process. For some parents, it’s an immediate feeling of attachment when they first look into their baby’s eyes. For others, it may take longer, so don’t panic if it doesn’t happen right away.
There also can be challenges that make it hard to bond with your baby – NICU stay, difficult birth, hormones, postpartum depression, feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, or a general lack of confidence. As long as your baby’s needs are met, there is time for your bond to grow.
Bonding with your baby doesn’t require fancy equipment or toys. There are opportunities every day to build your relationship.
- Touch. Skin-to-skin contact is very important.
- Familiarity. This includes holding your baby, looking into each other’s eyes, and letting your baby get familiar with your scent.
- Talking. Talk with your baby. They love to hear your voice.
- Feeding. Breastfeeding or bottle feeding both help build bonds.
- Being responsive. Respond to their cries with care and comfort. You can’t spoil a young baby.
Remember to take care of yourself as you get to know your baby and let others support you in your new role as a parent. Rest when you can because caring for a baby can be exhausting.
You may still be recovering from giving birth and it can take time for your body to heal. The responsibility of caring for a young baby can feel overwhelming so remember to reach out to your support system for help.
Bonding with your baby happens in everyday moments, so enjoy these opportunities to build a strong and secure attachment with your baby.
Learn more
- The ‘golden hour’: Giving your newborn the best start
- Why well baby checkups are so important
- Newborn screenings: Why do them? What’s the benefit?
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Posted In Children's, Family Medicine, Parenting
