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Bonding happens when you and your baby begin to feel a strong attachment with each other. You may feel great love and joy when you look at your baby. You may feel very protective of your baby.
It is this first relationship with you that teaches babies to feel secure and good about themselves with other people. They learn to trust you because they know you are paying attention to them and taking care of them. Babies that have strong bonds with their parents are more likely to trust others and have good relationships as adults.
Bonding is a Process
You and your baby may bond within a few minutes, over a few days, or a few weeks. Bonding may take longer if your baby needed intensive medical care at birth, or if you adopted your baby. Know that you can bond with your adopted baby as well as biological parents bond with their children.
Do not worry or feel guilty if it takes more time than you expected to form a close bond with your baby. This does not mean that you are a bad parent. As long as you are taking care of your baby's basic needs, the bond will form.
Tips for Bonding with your Baby
If the birthing process went smoothly, your baby may be very alert at birth. Take this time to hold and look at your baby. This is a great chance to bond. Other bonding moments can occur when you:
- Breastfeed. If you chose to breastfeed, your baby will become attached to your smell and touch during feedings.
- Bottle-feed. During bottle feedings, your baby can become acquainted with your smell and touch, as well.
- Hold your baby, especially skin to skin when you can.
- Make eye contact with your baby.
- Respond to your baby when they cry. Some people worry about spoiling a baby. But you will not spoil your baby with too much attention.
- Play with your baby.
- Talk, read, and sing to your baby. This helps them become well acquainted with the sound of your voice.
Accept Help from Others
When you bring your newborn home, your job is to take care of your baby and bond. This is easier if you have help at home. You may become very tired from all the new responsibilities that come with having a new baby. Let friends and family take on routine chores like laundry, grocery shopping, and cooking.
Obstacles to Bonding
You may have trouble bonding with your baby if you:
- Had a long or difficult birthing process
- Feel exhausted
- Experience mood swings or hormonal changes
- Suffer from postpartum depression
- Have a baby who needs special medical care
Again, this does not mean that you are a bad parent or that you will never form a bond. It just may take more time and effort.
When to Call your Doctor
After a few weeks of caring for your newborn, if you do not feel like you are bonding or you feel detached or resentful of your baby, talk to a health care provider. If you have postpartum depression, be sure to get professional help for yourself as soon as possible.
References
Goyal NK. The newborn infant. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, Shah SS, Tasker RC, Wilson KM, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 113.
HelpGuide. Building a secure attachment bond with your baby. www.helpguide.org/articles/parenting-family/building-a-secure-attachment-bond-with-your-baby.htm. Updated December 6, 2022. Accessed February 20, 2023.
US Department of Health and Human Services website. Welcoming a new baby. www.hhs.gov/healthcare/maternal-health/newborn-supply-kit/index.html. Updated May 19, 2023. Accessed January 16, 2024.
Review Date 1/24/2023
Updated by: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.