Bonding with Your Newborn: Infant Bonding and Cues

Take pleasure in communicating and sharing experiences with your newborn on a daily basis. Bonds can only be formed with time.  Newborn babies have different methods of  communication, and are more sensitive to some signs than others. Understanding the  ways newborns communicate will guide you when caring for your newborn:

Touch is an early form of communication in babies. Skin-to-skin contact is important, as your baby will become familiar not only with your touch but with your smell as well. Hold your newborn up against your  skin, and cradle them in your lap as you stroke them with different patterns. In this manner, your baby will learn to distinguish between the patterns of touch used by you and your spouse.

-Your baby communicates through eye-to-eye contact, so make sure to provide your newborn with this type of attention to signal your affection

-New babies can follow objects with their eyes, so playing with moving objects is one way to spend quality time together.

-Babies love to hear human voices, and try to imitate them in their early efforts to communicate. Reading, talking, and singing to your baby will help familiarize them with your voice and form an attachment. Cooing and communicating with facial expressions will also be recognized by your baby, who will most likely make attempts to imitate these signs.

-Newborns will recognize your heartbeat, so hold your infant close to your chest. And respond to your baby’s crying, which will help your baby feel secure and help to form a trusting relationship.

-Lastly, make sure you participate in all aspects of caregiving. Moms and dads should both be taking care to   change diapers, rocking the baby to  sleep, as well as burping and  bathing your newborn. If the baby is not being breastfed, dad should also participate in bottle feedings.

Most importantly, actively share your experiences with your baby and acknowledge their presence as you go about your day. Use a baby carrier that allows you to carry your newborn against your chest. This will allow you to communicate with your newborn while gaining the benefits of physical closeness as you go about your daily activities. Remember, an emotional bond requires that both baby and parent integrate one another into their lives.

Newborn Bonding and Cause for Concern

If you are still experiencing feelings of detachment, resentment, or jealousy several weeks after the birth of your baby, you should speak to a health care provider to get proper help and support. Talk to a pediatrician or health professional when taking your baby to his or her first visit to the doctor, and get support by talking to friends, family, and new parents.

It is not uncommon for new moms to experience  postpartum depression, and new dads may experience depression symptoms as well. It is important to the health of both you and your baby that early bonding concerns be resolved, so that you can begin to build lasting family ties.