Bonding with your Baby
Bonding is that intense feeling about your baby that is like falling in love. You never knew you could love anyone that much!
For some parents, it takes only a few minutes and for others it may take a few days or weeks. It is not something that you can make happen. It happens naturally as you live with your baby and get to know her. Close and early physical contact is important to help your baby develop a good relationship with you and to help your child stay healthy.
Here are some things that you can do:
- Focus your attention on your baby during feedings.
- Cuddle, sing and talk to your baby.
- Limit the number of people that care for her to the same few individuals.
- Practice a caretaking routine to help your baby learn to trust and love you.
- Hold your baby skin to skin right after baths.
Remember that parenting is 100 percent on-the-job training.
This page last updated on 3/17/08.