How to Bond with Your Newborn

By Disney Baby Editors

The early days with Baby are the perfect time to create intimate moments for the two of you to share. Here are eight great ways to boost your bond with your newborn and create lasting memories.

Read Aloud

Baby may not understand what you’re saying, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start reading to her. Have some one-on-one story time and read anything from nursery rhymes to newspaper clips. Just the sound of your voice is enough to make Baby feel right at home.

Show Some Teeth

One of the best things in the world is seeing your little bundle of joy smile at you. Not only is it adorable, smiling also creates an emotional connection between the two of you that’s like love at first sight. So the next time you find Baby looking up at you, look deep into her eyes and smile – who knows, she may even give you a smile back.

Have Some Face Time

Get up close and personal with Baby by positioning yourself a few inches away from her, so she can examine every nook and cranny of your face. Babies can see clearly up to eight to 12 inches away, so the cozier the better. Sing and talk to your sweetie while being just a nose nuzzle apart, and memorize every little expression your baby makes just like she’s memorizing yours.

Mommy Masseuse

Baby massage is another great way to share an intimate connection with your new baby. Loving touches not only nourish your baby’s emotional development, they also improve her sensory awareness and growth. Not to mention all the endorphins you’ll get from knowing you’re soothing your little hero.

Rock-A-Bye Baby

You don’t have to be a musical genius to woo your little cutie by song. A soft hum or a your best attempt at a whistle is enough to captivate your baby. If singing is your gift, print out the lyrics of your favorite songs and leave them in various spots around the house so you can croon to your baby whenever and wherever you like.

Kangaroo Pouch

It’s no surprise that being physically close to your baby will also increase the emotional intimacy between the two of you. Stay as close to Baby as possible by holding her in a sling or front pack. She will get to know your smell, voice and subtle movements and you’ll also pick up on her cues even more quickly.

Get Some Rest

Believe it or not, distance does make the heart grow fonder. As impossible as it may seem to peel yourself away from your little one, finding time to relax on your own is crucial to enjoying every minute you have with each other. Have your relatives or babysitter look after your precious bundle while you take a little R&R. Don’t worry, it won’t be long before you have Baby back in your arms.

Tummy for Two

Lay your little one stomach-down on top of your belly for some dual mommy and baby tummy action. This new position gets you and Baby nice and close, all the while increasing her upper body strength. She’ll feel safe knowing that you’re watching her, and you’ll love seeing your sweetie pie from yet another angle.

More on Disney Baby:

Tags: Mom Tips

Use a Facebook account to add a comment, subject to Facebook’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Your Facebook name, profile photo and other personal information you make public on Facebook (e.g., school, work, current city, age) will appear with your comment. Learn More.