Encourage your baby's emotional bonding

You can help create and strengthen the emotional bond with your baby by:

• Making frequent eye contact, such as during feeding times. Young babies love to look at your face and eyes. Cuddling your baby in the crook of your arm is about the perfect distance for your baby to see you well.
• Smiling, talking, nodding, and singing to your baby.
• Responding promptly to crying. Your baby will learn to trust that when in need, you will consistently come to comfort him or her.
• Gently rocking your baby, using a soft, soothing voice.

Babies develop a strong emotional attachment to parents who consistently provide loving, interactive attention and comfort. This emotional bond is critical for your baby so that he or she has a strong foundation on which to build positive relationships in the future.