It may seem silly when they’re so small, but bonding with your baby is very important for his or her development!
This informational campaign comes to you in partnership with the Stark County Community Action Agency.
Forming an attachment between you and your new baby is critical to your baby’s development. When you show them love and affection, you give them the confidence they need to know the world is safe to explore and interact with!
Your baby mostly relies on body language to communicate with you. Here are five ways to use body language to deepen the bond with your little one:
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Smile at your baby and make eye contact.
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Sing your baby your favorite songs!
Your baby loves the sound of your voice! Add a little melody to a sound they already know and love.
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Tell your baby about your day.
Talking to your baby will help them learn to speak (faaaar down the road). They love the sound of your voice and you will love the opportunity to exercise your vocal chords a bit after being cooped up all day!
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Swaddle your baby, cuddle, and pick out a bedtime story!
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Respond to your baby’s cries.
You cannot spoil your baby. You cannot hug or hold or cuddle them too much. So if your baby is crying for you and your gut says to scoop them up, do it!
The long and the short of it is, spend as much time as you can with your baby! Be sure to sprinkle in some “me time”, but when it’s time to snuggle with baby, give them all you’ve got. You won’t regret it.
Audrey Mattevi
Reporting