The days after a baby is born are a critical time for essential bonding with mom and dad. You should use this time to cement a relationship of trust and understanding. Take some time off work (even you, dads) so you can start on a good foot. Here are some ways you can bond with your new baby.
1. Lots of skin-to-skin contact
Skin-to-skin has numerous benefits. It helps regulate your baby’s breathing, heart rate, body temperature, and hormone levels. It’s also good for moms to combat postpartum depression. Lay your baby naked (or just a diaper) against your bare chest. Wrap a blanket around you both or use a special shirt for skin-to-skin contact.
2. Breastfeed as much as you can
Even if you don’t intend to breastfeed for years, try to do it for at least a couple months. Breastmilk is nature’s perfect substance for your little one. Plus the intimate contact helps your baby learn your facial cues and body language. It also solidifies your baby’s sense of trust in you since you’re directly providing something they need.
3. Wear your baby
You’ll notice a lot of baby bonding involves touch. Baby wearing is great for any caregiver. With a wrap or sling, carry your baby wherever you go. Since you’re lifting with your back, shoulders and legs, it’s not as challenging as you think. In addition to enjoying the physical closeness, you also regularly stimulate your baby by changing scenery.
4. Sleep in the same room
Co-sleeping is the doctor-recommended sleeping arrangement for new babies. By sleeping near one another, baby is always comforted by your presence. It helps them learn how to self-soothe and fall back asleep on their own. Place your baby in a basinet near your bed or in a co-sleeper (bed attachment).
Please note that bed sharing with an infant is unsafe and never advised.
5. Pay attention to baby’s cries
Babies have different cries depending on their needs. You won’t notice it right away, but after a few weeks you’ll begin to tell them apart. Trust those instincts so you can respond to your baby’s needs quickly. This will teach baby to trust you. You’ll create a bond that no stranger could replace.
6. Trust yourself
Most parents have a feeling when something is wrong. Trust that feeling always. People will offer you all sorts of advice about schedules, crying, spoiling, and other sorts of training. Their intentions are good, but they don’t know your child like you do. Look into attachment parenting (which doesn’t mean indulgent). Don’t follow someone else’s baby-raising formula. Do things your way and your relationship with your baby will flourish.
Written by Dr. Nina Farzin, Inventor of oogiebear
Nina is a wife, mother and career professional who never intended to start her own business. When her children were newborns, she ached to ease the discomfort from dry, stubborn, crusty mucus (boogers)! As a doctor, she knew there were no safe solutions on the market to help her kids, so she invented oogiebear, a revolutionary booger removal tool that helps babies breathe easier.
Nina graduated Howard University where she earned her doctorate in Pharmacy (R.Ph, Pharm.D). She is a Registered Pharmacist in Washington DC, Maryland and New York. Nina and her family are fitness enthusiasts who enjoy outdoor activities and healthy eating.
For more information, please visit myarchive.oogie.com.
Interested in writing a guest blog for oogiebear? Send your topic idea to pr@archive.oogie.com.
Note: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and not to give professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor about any questions you may have regarding your child’s health and before following any of the suggestions in this post.
