A child’s emotional and psychological development largely depends on his/her relationship with his/her parents and it is especially important to form a strong bond with the mother. And not just for the baby, this bond is also essential for the emotional health of the mother. Dr Deepika Agarwal, Director – Obs & Gynae, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, shares some important tips to foster that relationship during the first year.

Building a close bond with baby in the first year of his life – 9 tips for new moms

The first year of your child’s life is special. Dr. Deepika Agarwal shares 9 key steps to promote a strong bond between mother and child in this early year of baby’s life. read on.

1. Skin to skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact, especially in the early days and weeks after birth, helps both babies and their mothers. From helping regulate baby’s body temperature, promoting bonding, and releasing feel-good hormones in both mother and baby, skin-to-skin contact is believed to lead to better physical and developmental outcomes for baby. Supports.

2. Breastfeeding

As you can see in every advertisement and every packaged baby food item, it is always mentioned that mother’s milk is best for babies, especially till 6-12 months. Therefore, if possible, breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies and because of the close physical contact and eye contact, it also creates a strong emotional bond between mother and child.

3. Understand your baby’s signals

Pay close attention to your baby’s signals and respond to his needs. Keep a close eye to understand whether your baby is crying because of hunger, discomfort or simply in need of being held. It helps build trust and security, laying the foundation for a strong attachment. Remember, every baby is different, so you need to pay attention to your baby’s cues and not rely solely on the baby manual.

4. Keep your baby close while doing daily chores

Use a baby carrier or sling to keep your baby close to you as you continue your daily activities. This physical closeness fosters bonding and makes your baby feel safe and connected to you.

5. Make eye contact

Make eye contact with your child from the very early days and talk to him frequently. Babies are naturally attracted to faces and voices, and this interaction helps strengthen the mother-child bond and aids language development.

6. Spend quality time together

Even though you can’t spend the entire day with the baby, don’t compromise on quantity. Allocate a dedicated time every day to bond with your child – spend time hugging them, playing with them, or simply being with them. This quality time is essential to building trust and fostering a deep emotional connection.

7. Co-sleep if possible

Co-sleeping is a great bonding experience because it means there is closeness between baby and parent throughout the night. However, it is essential to follow safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

8. Ask for support

It doesn’t have to be a lonely journey, building a strong mother-child bond is a team effort, and having a support network can make the journey easier and more enjoyable. So don’t hesitate to ask for support, whether it’s from your partner, family members or friends.

9. Trust your instincts

Finally, trust your gut as a mother. You know your baby better than anyone else, so follow your intuition and do what feels right for both you and your baby.

As Dr. Deepika Agarwal explains, building a strong mother-child bond is a gradual process that takes time and patience. “Be gentle with yourself and enjoy the journey of getting to know your baby and nurturing your special bond,” says Dr. Aggarwal.