Research Proven Ways to Bond with a Baby
All the preparing - finding the best childcare, safest car seat, cutest nursery; but what about after the baby is here? Amidst the sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, how do parents and caregivers truly bond with a baby? The bond between a baby's parents and caregivers (doulas, night nurses, nannies, etc.) is vital to development. Research shows that children with attuned parenting tend to develop a better ability to regulate behavior and attention. In this blog, we’ll explore simple yet powerful ways to nurture your relationship with your newborn, ensuring they feel safe, loved, and connected from the very beginning.
1. Skin-to-Skin Contact
Why: Promotes physical closeness, warmth, and comfort, and can regulate your baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing.
How: Hold your baby against your bare chest or cuddle during feedings. As a Newborn Care Specialist, I always suggest changing down to diaper for feedings.
This article discusses how SSC reduces stress in newborns, leading to less crying and a calmer demeanor. The release of oxytocin during SSC not only soothes the infant but also aids in breastfeeding!
2. Talk and Sing to Them
Why: Your voice is comforting and familiar to your baby.
How: Speak in a gentle tone, sing lullabies, or narrate your day—even simple conversations are soothing.
3. Eye Contact
Why: Babies love to look at faces, and eye contact helps them feel secure.
How: During feedings, diaper changes, or cuddling, look into their eyes and smile.
4. Respond to Their Needs
Why: Consistently responding to crying or fussing helps your baby feel safe and builds trust.
How: Learn what their needs are thru understanding their individual sleepy and hunger cues. Comfort your baby by feeding, changing, or simply holding them when they seem upset.
Overall Tip: Writing down your child’s hunger cues and sleepy cues is helpful when leaving them with a nanny!
5. Feeding Time
Why: Feeding is not just nourishment but also a time for close contact and bonding.
How: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, cuddle your baby close and maintain eye contact.
This is a great time to implement skin-to-skin!
6. Gentle Touch
Why: A gentle, soothing touch promotes a sense of security and connection.
How: Massage your baby with baby-safe lotion, or simply stroke their back, hands, or feet.
Tip: This can also help relieve gas!
7. Babywearing
Why: Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier keeps them close to you, which helps with bonding and allows them to feel your heartbeat and warmth.
How: Use a comfortable baby carrier and keep your baby snug but safe.
Tip: As a mom and during my nanny days, this is how I would implement naps on the go!
8. Playtime
Why: Simple activities engage your baby’s senses and create joyful interactions.
How: Use age-appropriate toys, mimic their sounds, or play peek-a-boo. Even newborns enjoy faces and soft voices. Diving into a child’s world when playing is a game-changer!
9. Bath Time Bonding
Why: Bathing can be a calming and intimate experience.
How: Gently wash your baby while talking to them, and use warm water to make it enjoyable.
10. Sleep Routines
Why: Establishing a bedtime routine can create a sense of security.
How: Create the same events in order every night. Creating a simpler version for naps is a great sleep tool too!
11. Baby-Led Bonding
Why: Babies give cues about what they need and enjoy, helping you connect with them on their terms.
How: Pay attention to their signals—whether they want to eat, sleep, or even just be held! Each child is unique, so learning theirs is a great way to be intuitive and meet them where they are at developmentally.
12. Involve Your Partner and Family
Why: Bonding doesn’t have to be just for one parent—it’s a shared journey.
How: Encourage family members to cuddle, feed, or talk to the baby so everyone feels connected.
13. Practice Patience
Why: Bonding may not feel instant, and that’s okay—it grows with time and interaction.
How: Be patient with yourself and your baby. Small, consistent efforts build strong bonds.
Final Thoughts
Through practices like skin-to-skin contact, responsive caregiving, and consistent interaction, parents/caregivers can foster a strong attachment that nurtures a child’s growth. While bonding may take time and look different for every person, the key is to engage in meaningful, loving interactions that build trust and connection. By prioritizing these moments in the early days and beyond, parents lay the foundation for a lifelong relationship filled with love, security, and mutual understanding.
Harmony Baby Concierge is a full service Newborn Care + Postpartum Support Agency based in Dallas, Austin and Houston, Texas.. We have a well-rounded team of Newborn Care Specialists, Night Nurses, Postpartum Doulas, Newborn Night Nannies and Baby Nurses. We provide lactation support, newborn care, night nursing, gentle sleep training and parent education to families of newborns. We serve all families with love, warmth and care. Serving: Dallas, Austin, Houston, Highland Park, University Park, Kessler Park, Lake Highlands, Lakewood, Plano, Frisco, Celina, Prosper, Fort Worth, Southlake, Westlake, Irving, Preston Hollow, Park Cities, Grand Prairie, Carrollton, Houston, Manvel, Galveston, West University, Austin, Barton Creek, Round Rock, Houston, Denver, New York City, Greenwich CT, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Englewood Colorado, Cherry Hills Village CO, and Surrounding Areas.
Sources:
https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01921/full
