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Babies bond in a number of ways, mostly through touch and smell.
Bonding (or attachment) is the sense of connection between parents
and infants that forms the foundation of the parent-child
relationship. Here are some ways to do it well.
Holding, talking, singing, rocking, cuddling and other nurturing
interactions between you and your baby are bonding experiences that
strengthen the emotional connection between both of you. They also
strengthen your infant’s learning connections.
For most parents bonding is an immediate response, which happens
during the first hours or days of life. For your baby however, the
attachment is not instant. It forms gradually and is established
over time. A secure attachment develops from predictable,
responsive, and nurturing care giving. Promptly responding to your
baby's needs in a loving manner will help him develop a strong sense
of trust in you, himself, and his environment. But, besides the
basic care-giving activities—feeding, diapering, rocking—there are
additional ways to bond with your baby. These interactive tips will
help you deepen your relationship and enrich your earliest times
together.
1.)Provide your baby with plenty of face-to-face interaction.
Bring your face close to your baby's and gaze into each other’s
eyes. Your smiling face, changing expressions, and loving voice will
captivate him.
2.)Loving touches nourish your baby's emotional development and
improve sensory awareness.
Gently kiss and stroke your baby whenever you dress or change her.
As your baby is feeding, caress her cheeks, shoulders, and arms.
Gently rub her delicate little hands and fingers. Baby massage
relaxes, reduces stress, and helps your infant to sleep.
3.)Skin-to-skin contact is soothing and comforting for both of you.
Hold your baby against your chest and breathe slowly. The warmth of
your body, the smell of your skin, and the beating of your heart are
very reassuring. You can also treat your baby to a soothing bath
with you.
4.)Talk to your baby!
Don't worry about sounding silly. Involve him in your activities by
talking about everything that you do. Once your baby's starts cooing
and making sounds, respond to his growing vocabulary by repeating
those sounds back to him.
5.)Sing to your baby!
What better way to express your love and joy? Even if you think your
singing is not the best; it's the best to your baby (hey, how often
do you get a captive audience?). Don't limit yourself to lullabies
or nursery rhymes—sing whatever makes you happy. Your baby will love
the effort and attention.
6.)Look for all the playful opportunities as you go through your
care-giving routines.
You don't need expensive toys to play with your baby--You are her
most important toy. Help your baby learn and explore the world
during these early months by making her toys and her world come
alive.
7.)Play soothing music and gently dance with your baby around the
room.
Babies make great dancing partners. They love the music, the
movement, and the closeness to you.
8.)Reading is a wonderful way to bond with your baby while
developing language skills.
Start with large books that have simple bold illustrations. Cradle
your baby in your arms and let him experience the closeness that
reading a book provides.
Copyright 2002 Susan Ann Stelfox
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Susan Ann Stelfox is the author of Baby Be Loved: Growing and
Learning Together During the First 24 Weeks, Mason Publishing 2002.
She is also the mother of a 3 1/2 year-old son. Learn more about
bonding, infant development, and Susan at
http://www.babybeloved.com.
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