Bonding with your baby can begin with simple actions that show him you care about him and want to take care of him. Try:
- Holding him against your skin when feeding or cradling
- Giving him a gentle massage
When babies feel your touch, they usually feel comforted.
- If your little one is being fussy, try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair.
Touch becomes an early language as babies respond to skin-to-skin contact. It’s soothing for both you and your baby while promoting your baby’s healthy development. Check out these sites for more on infant massage:
Webmd video on infant massage
Tips and Techniques for infant massage
Some babies can be unusually sensitive to touch, light, or sound, and might startle and cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn their faces away when you touch them. If that’s the case with your baby, try to keep the sound of the television or music soft to help soothe your baby.