Many first-time parents worry about bonding with their newborn baby. Even some experienced parents have this fear. This is an understandable anxiety to have. After all, as a parent you are responsible for the development of another human being. The good news is that there are a few simple actions you can take. Shakespeare said that “the eyes are the window to your soul”. To ensure you and your baby bond you should consider eye contact. By making eye contact with your child you provide a connection that comforts them and makes them feel secure. This also allows them to see into your “soul” which is a very strong bond indeed. Eye contact is one of the simplest actions you can take.
Many believe that babies do not develop the skill to really focus until 2 months of age. This is true but according to leading pediatricians, they can still make eye contact from the beginning of life1.
So even though your baby may not “lock” eyes with you for some time, they know you’re looking at them and they feel comforted by that. This comfort is equal or greater than swaddling them or holding them. So go ahead and hold them in your gaze as well as your arms. They WILL feel loved and your bond will grow stronger every day.
Source: 1Dr. Dipesh Navsarios M.D. an associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Council on Early Childhood).
