Bonding with Baby

Most parents bond instantly with their babies, an intense feeling that makes you want to hold and love and protect them. For some parents, this can take a little longer, especially if there has been a difficult pregnancy or labour.

Research indicates that babies who develop fulfilling relationships with their parents tend to grow into secure, well-adjusted adults and even perform better at school.

Bonding is a natural process but there are many ways to help out, especially if you provide focused, responsive care in a nurturing environment.

Breastfeeding - a breastfed baby will receive regular close contact with its mother, helping an early bond to develop. Unfortunately, this is not always easy, so speak to your health visitor if you need any help or assistance.

Touch - a baby's first communication is via touch, so hold your baby close, cradle her in your arms or use a sling if you need to get on with chores.

Massage - a more structured method of touching your baby and a way of promoting physical and mental growth as well as the parent/baby bond.

Singing - no matter how tone deaf you may think you are, your baby will love to hear your voice. The rhythmic nature of nursery rhymes is very soothing and is believed to help with language development.

Talk - although she may not understand what you are saying, your baby will love to hear you chatting away about what you are doing, whether it is changing her nappy, peeling the potatoes or folding the washing. She will gain confidence from the fact that you are always near and always focused upon her, even if the household chores need to be done.

Pull a face - even very young babies are fascinated by facial expressions.

Regular activities - such as nappy changing time, are a wonderful time to show your baby just how much you love them. Talk to her, kiss her tummy, tell how what lovely dimples she has, how much you love her smile. This will take your mind off what a messy job it is and show that you love her, no matter what.

Slow down - life is getting faster and faster but slow and steady is best for baby. Stop and spend time with your baby, relax and enjoy yourself, your baby will love you no matter what.

Arabella Greatorex is the owner of http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk, an online store selling organic and fairly traded products for families including organic clothing and nappies, fairly traded toys and natural toiletries.

---

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office... Read More

Selecting a Baby Shower Theme: Easy as One Two Three

No aspect of party planning is more crucial and sometimes... Read More

Baby Safety & the Family Dog

I recall how wonderful the baby swing in particular, was... Read More

Fun & Unique Baby Shower Favors

A baby shower is often the highlight of an expectant... Read More

Showered with Mom-to-Be Merriment

Your friend's having a baby. What an exciting time for... Read More

Tale of the Missing Nub

The extent of the memory loss that accompanies new parenthood... Read More

Young Child Games-But When Do I Stop Playing Baby Games, You Ask?

As a baby matures and starts to show the first... Read More

Baby Stroller and Pushchairs - Out and About

Having a family day out is not exactly stress free,... Read More

How to Make a Diaper Cake

Hosting a baby shower or looking for a great gift... Read More

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and... Read More

Baby Safety Checklist - Protecting Your Baby

When bringing home your new baby, there are so many... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Bag

Even though it's a popular shower gift, you may want... Read More

Choosing Baby Names

Take Your Time The worst thing you could do when... Read More

Fussy Eaters

The experts often tell us that in order to ensure... Read More

Solving Baby Sleep Problems - Its Time to Sleep

If you're a parent with a young child then here's... Read More

Does The Size Of Your Baby Matter?

Does size matter? No, not that! Is your baby too... Read More

The First Week with Your Baby

The first week of your baby's life brings big adjustments... Read More

Baby Shower Themes For Your Special Baby Shower

Do you want to provide a baby shower that is... Read More

Babies Suffering For Colic

About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from... Read More

The Making of a Mini-Model

Baby modeling isn't an exclusive art - nor is it... Read More

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops... Read More

The Average Growth In Babies

Growth charts are tools your pediatrician can use to keep... Read More

Baby Yoga and Me

Having carried a sizable bump around for a very long,... Read More

White Noise and 10 other Soothing Sounds for Calming a Colicky Infant

The crying ? oh, the crying. A colicky baby can... Read More

To Invite or not to Invite the Dad to the Shower?

Do you invite dad to the baby shower? As per... Read More

Potty Training Guide

Toilet training (herein referred to as "potty training") is an... Read More

Etiquette for Baby Shower

Etiquette for baby shower used to be quite rigid, but... Read More

How to Choose a Diaper Pail for Disposable Diapers

When you have already made the decision not to use... Read More

Choosing a Personalized Baby Gift

Have you been invited to a baby shower or asked... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

How Much TV Is Too Much For Your Toddler

At least one third of households have their TV turned... Read More

Choosing Baby Names for Twins

Choosing a baby name for your new born can be... Read More

How Toddlers Can Benefit From Using Computers

It's a fact of life that we live in an... Read More