5 Ways to Connect with Your Baby
Finally, you’re holding your baby in your arms. Throughout nine months of pregnancy, you imagine this moment a million times. After birth and the postpartum period, when a few weeks have passed and you’re feeling a bit better, it’s normal to want to bond with your little one in a special way. With that in mind, we want to tell you about five different ways to connect with your baby.
The truth is, the bond parents share with their children starts to develop long before they’re born. However, we need to nourish that relationship every day. Your little ones need to know that you’re by their side all the time… Protecting them, caring for them, and tending to their physical and emotional needs. They need to know that they can trust you all the time.
When babies are small, it doesn’t seem like they can do much. However, there’s a lot you can do to connect with them on a deep emotional level. This is a bond that will last a lifetime, so it’s important to make it a strong and healthy one from the start.
It’s your opportunity to make your little one feel that your care for them on every level. Below, we’ll offer some practical tips on how to connect with your baby. We’re sure that, as the years go by, you’ll be glad you did. Remember, our children need us from the moment they’re born!
Give your baby a massage
Make sure to use small, gentle movements as you massage your baby. Remember that newborns are small and very delicate, so rub your little one’s back, legs, and arms lightly. This will help them relax and fall asleep. In the same way, if your baby is crying or agitated, these massages will help them calm down and cry less.
If you’re not sure how to massage your baby, you can ask your doctor or look for tutorials online. Massage is an excellent way to connect with your baby, so you can also find books on how to do it right. In fact, there are even certified professionals who can teach you the best techniques in infant massage.
Read to your baby
We all know how important it is to encourage a love for reading in children. But, did you know that experts say that parents should start reading to their children when they’re babies?
It’s best to start reading to babies from the time they’re born. That way, when they grow up, they’ll have better linguistic skills in school and more interest in reading.
So, read to your baby and make it fun. Sit down with them and look at the pages of a picture book with lights and sounds. Explain what occurs in each one of the illustrations. You’ll be surprised to see how interested your child is in this activity.
Reading needs to be a special moment where you can communicate with your little one. Don’t worry about your baby not understanding you – this is something you both need. As you read, your bond will grow.
Sing in order to connect with your baby
It doesn’t matter whether you have a good singing voice or not. For your baby, your voice is the best melody, whether or not you can carry a note. She’ll love listening to you and, as you sing, your connection will deepen. Singing has an incredibly human element that’s very interesting to babies. What’s more, it develops cognition, language, and emotions.
So, what should you sing to your baby? Well, pretty much anything. Sing whatever you want – your favorite song, or even something you make up on the spot. Lullabies are, of course, a great option. Nothing’s better than singing a fun and comforting song!
Talk with your baby
Talking to your baby every day is just as important as singing. Your little one needs to hear your voice and know that you’re near at all times. It doesn’t matter whether or not they understand the words you say. Just do your part and narrate the different things you do throughout the day. Your little ones will be delighted.
Going for a walk together is a great way to connect with your baby
Whatever the climate, take a few minutes to go for a walk with your baby. Even if it’s just to get the mail or take out the trash. Of course, if you want to go to the park, that’s even better. You don’t need to make a giant effort. After all, you’re still recovering from childbirth.
In short, we hope you put these five practical habits into practice. We’re sure you and your baby will both reap the benefits!