Behaviour

When you respond to your baby with warmth and love, you are helping them grow up happy and healthy.

This might be easier than you think. For example, every time you change your baby’s nappy, you can talk, sing, or look into their eyes. When you show love and comfort when they’re sad, you’re helping them feel safe and cared for.

Other things that help their brain grow are being touched, rocked, fed, cuddled, and comforted.

This is not just important for their body to grow, but also for learning about their feelings and how to get along with others.

Bonding with your baby

Your relationship with your baby helps you feel close to them.

For some parents and carers, this bond starts during pregnancy or right after birth. For others, it might take a little longer to grow. That’s okay—everyone bonds at their own speed.

Having a strong relationship with your baby helps them grow into happy and healthy children. It also helps them understand their feelings, build confidence, and learn new things.This will help them be strong later in life and better able to handle life's challenges.

 Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to start. There are many ways to build your bond with your baby.

Here are some things you can try:

• If they’re crying, think about what they might need and cuddle them to comfort them.
• When they reach for you, hold them close. Skin-to-skin contact is best when you can.
• Respond happily to any sounds they make.
• Play with them.
• Talk, read, and sing to them.
• Make eye contact with them.

 Sometimes, it can be hard to bond with your baby. There are many reasons for this, such as:

• Having tough experiences in your life
• Problems with getting pregnant or during pregnancy
• Losing a baby
• Mental health issues
• Feeling stressed, like money problems or relationship issues

It's common for parents and carers to struggle, and help is available if you need it.

You can visit a Family Hub, contact your health visitor, contact the Stoke-on-Trent Health Visiting HUB (0300 303 3298), contact ‘ChatHealth’ by texting 07312277161, or speak to your GP.