A child’s experiences in their early years shapes their rapidly developing brain. This is an important opportunity for you to give your baby the best start in life.
It is your baby’s experiences with you and with the world around them, that make connections in their brain.
Everyday moments create connections
When you offer a warm and loving response to your baby’s needs, you are laying the building blocks for their future health and happiness.
This might be easier than it sounds. For example, think about how many times you will change your baby’s nappy.
Each time you talk to them, sing to them, look into their eyes, respond to sadness with warmth, love and reassurance you are meeting their needs.
Other moments that help a baby make healthy brain connections include being touched, stroked, rocked, fed, cuddled and comforted.
This is an important time not just for their physical development, but also for learning about their emotions and how your baby interacts with others.
Why is bonding with my baby important?
Your relationship with your baby is the way that you feel close and connected to them.
For some parents and carers, this may happen in pregnancy or soon after birth. For others, it can take some time for a bond to grow.
This is okay and every parent or carer will bond at their own pace.
Building a secure relationship with your baby helps them develop into happy and healthy children.
It also helps them manage their emotions, develop confidence, and learn new things.
It will make them more resilient in later life too, helping them be more able to cope with life’s ups and downs.