How to Bond with Your Newborn Baby? [Bonding Activities Ideas]

Knowing how to bond with a newborn baby is a challenging task for parents.

Bonding has always been about responding to your newborn baby's needs, together with love, warmth, and care. That also refers to the special attachment that forms between parents and their babies. Bonding between parents and their newborn baby is a vital part of growth.

When a newborn baby gets what they need from their parents such as a bright smile, touch or cuddle, they will have this instant feeling that the world is a safe place to learn, play, and explore, with their parents' guidance and protection.

To help you know more, here are tips on how to bond with a newborn baby.

Cuddle

Touch and cuddle with your newborn baby. Even when they are still inside the womb, they can already feel even the gentlest touch that comes from you. Try stroking them gently when you change their nappies or when you bath them.

Quick response

Respond to crying quickly. There may be times that you will not always be able to tell the reason behind your newborn baby's crying, but it is still important to respond to them nonetheless. This gesture is an important thing to remember on how to bond with newborn baby, since this will make them feel that you are always there for them no matter what.

Hold them

You can do this by rocking or holding your newborn baby against you, skin on skin, or by carrying them in a carrier or a sling.

Secure them

Another way on how to bond with a newborn baby is by making them feel that they are physically safe. Give them a good head and neck support when you are holding them. You can also try to wrap them with their blanky, creating a secure feeling as if they are inside the womb again.

Talking

Talk to them. Although it may seem like babies will not understand what you will say, talk to them still. Talk to your baby as often as you can in very soothing and warm tones. You can tell them what happened to your day or tell them stories.

That is helpful for your baby in learning to be aware of the sound of your voice. That is also helpful for your newborn to learn the language later.

Eye contact

Learning how to bond with a newborn baby means learning how to do it effectively as well. When you talk with your baby, maintain eye contact and make facial expressions. Let them know your reactions and your feelings. That will help them learn how words and senses are connected.

Singing

Sing babies some songs. Soothing music may help both of you to feel calm. You can hum tunes to your baby. Your newborn won't mind whether you know the lyrics to the song or you are singing it correctly.

Learning how to bond with a newborn baby takes time. There is no magic formula, only tips, on how to do this. Bond can't also be forced, as this is a personal experience and it varies to people. But, as you feel more comfortable with your baby and as you are more used to your routines now, you and your partner will feel the confidence in raising your baby and bonding with them.