Newborn bonding is SO important. Here are simple ways to bond with your new bundle of joy.
Table of Contents
You probably spent your whole pregnancy preparing for the arrival of your baby. Physically and mentally! But it is ALSO worth it to think about how you can bond with your newborn once they make their big debut.
You probably know about the significance of skin-to-skin time but what are other ways you can connect with your precious babe?
Before jumping in let me just say that this play gym makes this new and beautiful stage of your life so magical. This play gym includes 5 developmental zones with activities that are sure to capture your child’s attention and foster growth too.
Stick around. We are covering the best ways to bond with your newborn.
RELATED: 50 Practical Newborn Hacks I Swear By
RELATED: 30+ Postpartum Must Haves for Mom and Baby + Checklist
RELATED: 14 Genius Ideas for a Baby Care Package I Wish I Was Gifted
Best Ways to Bond with Your Newborn
1. Skin-to-skin
Let’s start with the most obvious way to bond with your little one. Skin-to-skin (also known as kangaroo care) is a great way to bond with your little darling, BUT it is also super duper important for a variety of reasons.
When your newborn is lying against your skin they can hear your heartbeat and voice. Two things they are VERY used to hearing in the womb. This is comforting for them.
Did you know skin-to-skin can also help boost your milk supply? Pretty amazing! Skin-to-skin stimulates prolactin and oxytocin. Both of these hormones are key in both making and releasing breast milk.
Enjoy this bonding activity because time goes by so fast. Soak in the moments when your child is perfectly content to lay on you because it is harder to get those snuggles in once they grow older!
2. Breastfeed
While feeding your newborn will be able to listen to your heart, be comforted by your scent, and enjoy being held close.
Feeding will help your baby feel more secure.
Additional benefits of skin-to-skin contact are that it also helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
If you are not a breastfeeding mama, you will still bond with your newborn through feedings!
3. Quality Time
Enjoy every little moment with your newborn. Even the tough moments like midnight, 3 am, and 5 am feedings. It is really easy and tempting to whip your phone out and start scrolling. Put your phone down. Be present in EVERY.SINGLE.MOMENT!
Schedule time as a nuclear family to bond and enjoy each other.
When you become a new mama everyone wants to visit the baby. Don’t be afraid to say not today if you and your new family need quality time together. The fourth trimester is tough and not talked about enough in my honest opinion.
4. Eye Contact
I probably don’t have to convince you to carve out time to make eye contact since you’ll be in new mama bliss. I know when my daughter was born alllllll I wanted to do was stare at her.
Smile and make eye contact with your baby during playtime and feedings.
Your baby has spent months listening to your heartbeat and voice. Let them study your face too.
They’ll enjoy watching your facial expressions and being sung to while looking into your eyes.
5. Contact
Holding and cuddling are other great ways to bond with your newborn.
All babies want and need to be held.
It helps comfort them and create a sense of security, which will ultimately help strengthen your bond.
6. Playing
As a new mama, I found myself wondering how I should play with my newborn. Tummy time is so important AND it is a great way to play with your baby. You can facilitate tummy time with your newborn on you (yes skin-to-skin counts!) or by having them lay on a mat on the floor.
THIS play gym is PERFECT for tummy time and playtime in general. It will grow with your baby as they become a toddler so you know you’re getting more bang for your buck.
Sensory play is another great way to play with your newborn. The next few activities on this list are great sensory activities to prioritize.
7. Talking
Set your baby up for success by helping build their language development from the very beginning.
As a former teacher with an M.Ed in Reading, I can’t stress how important it is to talk to your baby. I talked to my daughter all.the.time. Constantly! I have to think this is why she has such a brilliant vocabulary as a toddler.
You can talk to your child about what you are doing, what’s on the agenda for the day, and even point out things you see on strolls. Talk, talk, talk! It will pay off later. You’ll see.
8. Singing
Here’s another great sensory activity that will also help you bond with your baby. Sing your heart out.
Nursery rhymes, made-up songs, and other familiar songs are SURE to bring a smile to your baby’s adorable face.
Silly nonsense songs are my jam and my daughter ate them up. She still does.
PRO TIP: If your baby is fussing, sing a song. Songs are not just for entertainment. They are also a great tool to help soothe your baby.
9. Reading
Like talking, reading is SO beneficial. If you are looking for great books to read with your baby, you should check these out.
We are BIG fans of this brand’s play kits. Through ordering the play kits we were introduced to their books. The best part about the books (and all their products really) is that they are developmentally appropriate for children. They meet your child exactly where they are.
So when we saw that they offered book bundles, we were thrilled.
If you are ordering a play kit, it is easy to add book bundles to your subscription. Honestly, all of their products are excellent. I have been happy with everything so far.
10. Massage
Giving your baby a massage is a great way to help you bond. BUT it also has other benefits you may not be aware of. The International Association of Infant Massage spells out the benefits. Here are just a few:
- Interaction
- Stimulation
- Relief
- Relaxation
11. React to Cues
Create a feeling of security by reacting to your child’s cues. They are not yet master communicators. They cry when they are hungry, tired, uncomfortable, etc.
Responding to your child’s needs is a critical way to build feelings of trust, warmth, and reliability.
Before you know it you and your baby will be speaking the same language.
12. Bathing
Don’t you love taking a warm calming bath? In time your baby will too. It might take a little bit of time but soon enough your baby will look forward to bath time.
For some extra fun add bath toys and bubbles to the tub. Obviously, your newborn won’t be placed directly into the tub without some sort of bath lounger, but bubbles also offer a great and fun sensory experience.
These bath bubbles are clean and mesmerizing. My daughter is obsessed!
13. Soothe Them
I am sure this one will come naturally mama.
Responding to your baby’s cries, wants, needs, and requests will strengthen your connection.
By responding to your baby’s cues they quickly learn that they can rely on you.
14. Baby Wear
Babywearing is something I learned about a little too late and I WON’T be making that mistake this time around.
Babywearing is a great way to not only bond with your new baby, but it is ALSO a great way to get things done around the house. Multi-tasking is a wonderful thing.
Responding to your baby’s cues is a breeze when you are wearing your baby as you go about your day.
Initially, I went with a baby wrap over a baby carrier. I have to say that I prefer using a baby carrier. From my experience, it feels more secure, light, and comfortable. I know some mamas prefer the wrap. Whatever floats your boat mama!
15. Mirror Play
Quality time is everything. Especially since our little ones don’t stay little forever. Playing is one of many fantastic ways to bond with your newborn. One of my favorite ways to play with my babies is through mirror play.
Remember your baby’s vision will continue to enhance throughout the first year of their life. At 2 months, their vision will still be blurry, But mirror play is still fun. I get a kick out of watching their little face admire themselves.
By 4 months, your baby will likely be more into mirror play since they can better track images.
Adding a mirror to tummy time is a must!
16. Snuggles
I couldn’t leave snuggles off the list of ways to bond with your newborn. Nothing beats baby snuggles! When you’re having a rough day, just snuggle your baby. It is the best medicine ever. I promise.
17. Keep up With Your Baby Book
Keep up with adding milestones, notes, and photos to your baby book.
I know you probably have so much on your plate as a new mom, but it is a great way to connect with your little one.
You will also love looking back and reminiscing on all the beautiful memories.
This was something that I was so thankful I was diligent about doing throughout the first year.
18. Follow a Routine
If you’ve visited my blog before you know I am all about a schedule and routine. I am not suggesting that you stick to a strict schedule because it is all about survival in the beginning.
We all thrive on routine, babies included. When you create a routine it will be easy to distinguish the reason for your baby’s cries.
For example, if your baby is crying at 9:30 and they normally feed at 10:00, you’ll have a good idea (really quickly) of what your child is trying to communicate.
A routine will help you learn your baby’s needs, which will ultimately help you grow closer.
This was all about the best ways to bond with your newborn.
Other Posts You May Like:
12 Boppy Positions for Newborns + Other Benefits
Leave a Reply