Bonding isn’t one “perfect moment.” It’s something that grows through everyday care, even when you’re tired, learning, or unsure.
The American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents that love shows up in small, repeated moments.

Hold your baby close (skin-to-skin):

Skin-to-skin contact helps:

• Regulate your baby’s heartbeat and breathing
• Keep them warm
• Reduce stress for both of you
• Support early bonding and feeding

Even a few minutes makes a difference.

Respond to their cries:

You’re not “spoiling” your baby.
Newborns cry to communicate basic needs—comfort, hunger, overstimulation.

Responding helps your baby learn:

• “Someone comes when I need them.”
• “I am safe.”

This builds trust and attachment.

Talk, sing, and use your voice:

Your baby knows your voice from pregnancy.
Talking, humming, and singing help them feel connected and calm.

Try:

• Narrating what you’re doing (“I’m picking you up now”)
• Soft songs
• Gentle conversation during diaper changes

Your voice is their favorite sound.

Make eye contact when you can:

Babies love faces, especially yours.
Eye contact during:

• Feeding
• Bath time
• Cuddles
• Awake/alert time

…helps your baby feel seen and builds early social skills.

Use slow, gentle play:

Newborns don’t need big activities.
Try:

• Tummy time on your chest
• Slowly moving a high-contrast card
• Softly stroking their hands or feet
• Rocking or swaying

These moments help your baby feel safe in your presence.

Follow your baby’s cues:

Bonding grows stronger when you respond to what your baby is telling you.

Cues your baby may give:

• Overstimulated: turns away, grimaces, arches
• Ready to engage: bright eyes, quiet alert, small wiggles
• Tired: yawning, red eyebrows, staring off

When you adjust to their cues, they learn that they can trust you.

Feedings are bonding moments:

Whether breastmilk, formula, chestfeeding, bottle-feeding—feeding is connection.

Try:

• Holding them close
• Looking at their face
• Talking softly
• Pausing to burp and soothe

These small rituals build deep emotional connections.

Give yourself grace:

Bonding doesn’t look the same for every parent.
The relationship develops over time—not instantly.

If bonding feels slow:

• You’re not alone
• You’re not doing anything wrong
• Your baby knows you and feels your care

If stress, sadness, or worry feel overwhelming, the CDC encourages reaching out for support. Postpartum emotions are common and treatable.

Bonding happens through:

• Touch
• Voice
• Eye contact
• Comfort
• Everyday routines
• Responding to your baby

Every diaper change, cuddle, feeding, and moment of comfort strengthens your relationship.

Your presence is the bond.

Citations:

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Bonding and attachment: Building a strong relationship with your baby.

American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Newborn communication and bonding.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Postpartum mental health: Signs and support.

World Health Organization. (2023). Early bonding and nurturing care for newborns.

Feldman, R. (2007). Parent–infant synchrony and bonding. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 16(6), 340–345.