A cuddle, a smile, or even a tickle – when it comes to a newborn baby, natural gestures of affection like this can play a significant part in helping set up your little one for life.
Getting a good start in life is dependent on lots of obvious things, like nutrition and protection.
But emotional attachment between parents and their newborn, is also critical for the healthy development of babies and children.
This attachment helps the infant grow into a physically healthy, mentally healthy, intelligent and active child and young person, and even plays a part in development to stable adulthood.
We know that children who have a secure relationship to the people close to them grow up more positively, are open and direct in dealing with their feelings, and are quick to recover from upsets.
They are more independent than other children, but more confident to ask for help when they need it.
They form friendships more easily, and by the time they’re teenagers, they are often at the centre of their social circle.
Attachment starts before birth.
Even during time in the womb, the baby has been able to hear the voices of mother and father, and so at birth is already able to recognise them.
Given a normal healthy pregnancy and delivery, the baby arrives with characteristics that draw the parents to the infant – a round face, a tuft of downy hair, soft skin, tiny fingers and hands.
In the period immediately after birth the baby is highly alert and able to make eye contact.
In the early weeks being close is important, and breastfeeding is an excellent way to get close.
By three or four months babies spend more time awake and begin to take an active part in play with parents.
Gentle experiences, such as holding, cuddling and feeding, make the baby feel secure and comfortable.
Attachment is important when babies begin to play on their own – they can be happy as long as mum or dad is somewhere close by.
Feeling alone or hungry are new and scary experiences for the newborn and crying is a normal response
However, immediate attention does not ‘spoil’ the baby.
We know that when parents respond quickly to their baby’s needs in the first six months, they cry less in the second six months.
There are lots of ways for parents to promote attachment with their newborn bub. For example:
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Touch – holding, hugging, snuggling, massaging;
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Eye contact – make it warm, loving and soft;
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Movement – walking or dancing with your baby held to you, and
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Smiles – babies focus on smiles.
Healthy Hint:
You can find out lots more about your newborn baby’s development by going to the Child Health and Parenting Service website at: http://www.dhhs.tas.gov.au/healthyliving/factsheet.php?id=689
Article Acknowledgement
Author Libby Dawson, Registered Nurse
Batchelor of Health Science (nursing)
Child and Family Health Nurse
Master of Health (rural and remote)