Did you know that 1 in 5 women do not immediately bond with their baby? This number is probably hard to even comprehend, but it’s reality. I want to help you bond with your newborn baby in an easy and fast way. It’s important for moms to learn how to bond with their babies and also love doing it.
If you are struggling to connect with your baby, please do not feel ashamed of it. Sometimes your hormones can be the culprit of it and postpartum blues. Either way, I’m here to help you have a significant, loving and fun mother baby bonding experience.
With the birth of my three children, I instantly felt a connection and bonded with them right away! Some of the things that helped me find that instant connection was bonding with them during my pregnancy. Also, the tips I’m sharing with you today helped in a tremendous way. That’s why I’m excited to share them with you!
Why is it important to bond with your baby?
” Bonding is an important human instinct that gives babies a sense of security and self-esteem” (source).
Can newborns tell who their mother is?
Yes they can, how awesome is that!? In fact your baby can recognize your voice even when they are in the womb!
Some studies show that some newborn babies, recognize their mother’s face in two weeks and some may take up to a couple of months. (source)
15 helpful and easy ways to bond with your newborn baby
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1.Skin to skin contact
Skin to skin contact with your baby after birth helps both you and baby to bond. It also helps baby to relax and adapt to life outside the once comfortable womb. It’s amazing how skin to skin contact can impact both mom and baby in a positive way.
2. Talk and sing to baby
Believe me mama when I say that this didn’t really come naturally for me. You know to sing and talk to my children when they were babies. But, I honestly gave it a try and it worked! Everyday, I would get more and more comfortable with it and it really made a difference.
Your baby hears you and feels you. Talk to him and sing to him because you are creating memories and developing a strong bond together.
3. Rock baby to sleep
I loved every minute of rocking my babies to sleep. And so can you mama! Once you finish feeding your newborn, spend some time rocking your newborn baby to sleep. You can even give yourself extra cuddling time before putting your baby in his crib.
Here are great rocking chairs options:
4. Bath time bonding
Bath time is a great way for you to bond with your newborn baby. I really enjoyed every second of it and it really is magical. The bubbles, the water splashing, the baby laughs or cries. You get the picture.
Read this next:
Step by step guide on how to take a newborn baby a bath
Step by step guide on how to change a newborn baby’s diaper
5. Eye to eye contact
If you’re struggling to bond with your newborn, something simple as eye to eye contact can really help. When you’re feeding your baby, look at him and smile. Smell him and savor these moments. Eye to eye contact is going to make you feel more connected to your baby.
6.Kisses and more kisses
Drown your baby with kisses, haha! I loved kissing my babies and even though they are now 10 and 6 years old, I’m still kissing them. Kissing your newborn will help you bond with him. Your baby is going to feel loved and you are going to feel more and more comfortable with it.
7. Massage time
Massaging your baby is a great way for you to connect with her. You can massage your newborn after each bath time and also after every diaper change. Massaging your newborn helps him/her feel more calm and relaxed. It also helps you bond with your baby in a fun and loving way. You can check out this helpful book about massaging your baby which will reinforce bonding time!
Here are great massaging oils for baby:
8. Tummy time
Did you know that tummy time can help your baby develop strong neck and shoulder muscles and promote motor skills? (source) Of course, make sure your baby is awake and supervised at all times. You can lay down with your baby to help you bond with him/her. And, you can also encourage your baby and praise her by saying that she’s doing a great job!
Here are awesome tummy time mats:
9. Be silly
Try making silly faces to your baby and watch him smile or coo! It’s so cute how babies know their mother and how much love they have! If being silly doesn’t come easy to you, try doing the “peek a boo” first. Then think about other different ways you can make your newborn laugh!
Read this next:
20 easy ways to be a fun mom even when you’re too tired
10 things you can expect the first night home with newborn
10. Have a cute nickname
Want to bond with your newborn baby? Have a nickname for him/her! Honestly it’s super cute and it will definitely bring you closer to your baby. A nickname is used as a way to show a person affection, giving your baby a different name and only used by you and your partner is truly special.
You and your partner can decided on what nickname to name your child or you can both have different nicknames as well. My hubby and I have a different nickname for each of our children and it’s so funny and special!
11. Carry baby
You can carry your baby for extra loving and cuddling time. Nothing is wrong with that mama! Your baby is going to feel secure, protected and loved by you. You can also try baby wearing if you want to get things done around the house for the first few weeks after bring home baby.
Here are great baby wearing options:
12. Breastfeed
There’s nothing better to bond with your baby than breastfeeding. It is the ultimate way to develop a special bond with your child. I only breastfed my first born for a couple of weeks and with my twins I couldn’t breastfeed. Even though I didn’t have a long breastfeeding journey with my kids, I know how special it was when I was breastfeeding!
Of course mama, bottle feeding can also help you bond with your baby. Because it helped me and I loved it! While feeding your baby, you can speak, sing and smile at your newborn. It’s amazing!
Want to have a successful breastfeeding journey?
Milkology is a simple step-by-step program that covers everything you need to know about breastfeeding in 13 easy-to-watch lessons. It is honestly motivating and encouraging! Learn more here.
13. Go out on walks
If you’re feeling trapped at home with a newborn, it’s okay to go outside and take a walk. Make sure your baby is secure in his stroller and enjoy the day mama! It does good for you and for your baby because taking fresh air is all we need sometimes. Bonding with your newborn does not have to be hard, a simple walk around your neighborhood can really help!
Read this next:
14 excellent ways to feel more like yourself after giving birth
15 realistic ways to survive the first week with a newborn
14. Sleep close to baby
Bonding with your newborn does not always mean you have to interact with your baby. It can also mean, just laying down next to your baby. Or holding your baby close to you, so she/he can hear your heartbeat. You can sleep close to your baby by having a bassinet next to your bed or a side sleeper works well too!
If you want a head start on how to help your baby sleep without being held, click here!
If you’re interested in this A Step-by-Step Sleep Training Guide to Help Your Baby Sleep through the Night. Self soothing tips, click here!
Check out these super cute and durable sleepers and bassinet:
15. Tend to your baby’s cry
A great way to bond with your newborn is to attend to your baby’s cry. Every time your baby cries, he is signaling to you that he needs something from you. Whether that is needing a diaper change, another feeding, or baby needs to sleep. Your baby is relying on you to make him feel protected and cared for! This is your time to bond with your baby and show your baby love!
Read this next:
8 common reasons why your baby is crying
5 important cues that your baby is hungry and needs a feeding
Ready to start bonding with your newborn baby? You see mama, these tips aren’t complicated or impossible to do and most are fun! Bonding with your baby is super important. And so I really hope you can give them a try, specially if you’re finding it hard to connect with your baby.
I can guarantee you, that you are doing an amazing job so far as a new mama. Do not put so much pressure on yourself to do “everything right” or to be the perfect mom. It’s okay to struggle and it’s definitely okay to ask for help!
Enjoy motherhood and this wonderful journey of being a mom. Don’t forget to bond with your baby and connect on a deeper and loving level. You got this!
