Bonding With Your Newborn

You naturally develop an emotional bond with your newborn simply by spending time together, being physically close, and responding to their cues. Although the bond does not require special planning, keep the following in mind.

• Respond to your newborn's crying. Newborn babies cannot act with forethought, so they are not capable of being manipulative. You will not spoil your baby when you respond promptly and lovingly to their crying. In fact, when you quickly satisfy your baby's physical and emotional needs, they learn that the world is a safe and predictable place.
• Make eye contact with your baby frequently. For example, make eye contact when you feed your baby. Babies love to look at your face and eyes. When you cuddle your baby in the crook of your arm, you are about the perfect distance for your baby to see you well.
• Keep your baby warm, snug, and close to you. Close physical contact with your baby promotes your mutual attachment by making your newborn feel secure. You may want to use a supportive front pack or similar carrying device to keep your baby close to you.
• Smile, gently talk, nod, rock, and sing to your baby.

When your baby develops a strong emotional attachment to you, they build a foundation for establishing positive relationships throughout life.