Health Tip: Ways to Bond With Baby

(HealthDay News) — Early encounters between parents and a newborn help the infant feel more secure. The time it takes to bond varies from a few hours to a few weeks.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests how to promote bonding between you and baby:

  • If you chose to breast-feed, your baby will identify with your smell and touch during feedings.
  • If you bottle feed, your baby can become acquainted with your smell and touch, as well.
  • Hold baby skin-to-skin when you can.
  • Make eye contact with baby.
  • Respond to baby when he or she cries.
  • Play with baby.
  • Talk, read and sing to baby to help him or her become acquainted with the sound of your voice.