Building That Bond With Your Infant

Infant bonding can be accomplished when the parents are in tune with their child.  Not making an effort or taking time to bond, is detrimental to the family bonding experience.  Be sure to enjoy your baby, and give him/her your attention.

The following are ways to encourage the bond that is needed between baby and parent:

1. Share gentle touches.  Caress your baby's head and arms.  You can even try infant massaging.  The closeness that this creates will bond you with your child.

2.  Talk to your baby.  Whether you use baby talk or carry on a conversation, make sure that your baby knows your voice.  Speaking to your baby will further create a bonding relationship.

3.  Make eye contact.  Be sure to look into those beautiful, sweet baby eyes.  Just being social in day-to-day activities requires looking eye-to-eye with people.  How much more important is it to make that connection with your child?  You can't expect to bond with your child if you never make eye contact. 

4.  Respond to your baby's needs.  Your baby will let you know when he/she needs or wants something, whether it be attention and love or a physical need like a diaper change or FOOD.  Meeting your child's needs when he/she cues you in to them will also build that bond that you need and desire.

5.  Take out time to play!  Peek-a-boo, and silly motions games are always fun with infants.  Also, use tools like toys to encourage your child to develop educationally.  Playing with your child will be enjoyable for both of you and further promote bonding.

6.  READ!  No baby is too young to read to.  The sound of your voice and the colors on the picture books will stimulate your baby's mind.  When baby hears your voice as you read, he/she will feel a bond to you and at the same time you will be helping your child develop early reading skills and an interest in books.