Bonding With Your Baby

And don't forget Dad! Mom's already have created a physical biochemical bond with the baby before it was born, by carrying it for 9 months. This can leave fathers feeling left out. Make sure that Dad has been involved in the pre-natal care of the baby (going to doctor appointments, etc.). Urge Dad to participate in feedings as possible. Dad can be involved, even if Mom is breastfeeding. Moms can take a rest, and let Dad take charge of a crying infant from time to time. Changing diapers, bathing and dressing newborn are all tasks that Dad can help with. Everything that Mom does, such as cooing, and caressing the infant; are things that Dad can do as well. As baby develops, they need more and more stimuli. Dads are normally wonderful at providing that. Play time and "tummy time" are wonderful times to make sure that Dad is included.

Specialists now advise that babies sleep only on their backs. Many parents become concerned, because babies can develop a condition known as "occipital plagiocephaly of positional origin". This merely means that the baby's head is flatter on one side than the other from always sleeping in the same position. Giving your newborn some "tummy time" can help to circumvent this condition. Use play time to do this. Your infant will improve their muscles, by trying to push themselves up using their arms. The best way to help them is to get down on the floor with them. Croon, laugh and smile to encourage them. Hold a mirror up to baby, and observe their response! Move brightly colored things in front of their eyes, and watch them track movement. This is a great way to bond with your baby.