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Bonding through cuddling, contact and facial expression

Hold baby so he can hear your heartbeat.

Cuddle baby close to the left side of your chest so baby can hear your heartbeat. This is good for bonding with newborns, because it helps them feel safe.

Baby massage can make your baby feel secure.

Skin-on-skin contact, like baby massage, can help your baby feel secure. Always use a soothing touch.

Use facial expressions when you talk.

Look into your baby’s eyes and use facial expressions when you speak. This will help your baby learn the link between words and feelings.

Talking and reading: good for bonding

Use a sing-song voice when you talk to baby.

Babies like to hear a sing-song voice. Try this kind of voice when you’re talking to your baby.

Read books so your baby can enjoy your voice's sound and rhythm.

Read books and tell stories with your baby from birth. Your baby will like hearing your voice during this special time.

Chat with your baby throughout the day.

Chat with your baby throughout the day. Try naming toys and things around you. For example, ‘Look, these are your socks. They go on your feet’.

Singing, smiling and games: more bonding ideas

Sing songs to develop language skills.

Singing is a fun way to develop your baby’s language skills. Your baby will love the rhythm and will be soothed by your voice.

Smile at your baby.

Smile at your baby. When baby sees you smiling, baby feels good. This helps baby’s brain grow.

Play simple games like peekaboo.

Play simple games with your baby, like pat-a-cake or peekaboo. Playing with your baby also helps your baby’s learning and movement skills.

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Raising Children Network is supported by the Australian Government. Member organisations are the Parenting Research Centre and the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute with The Royal Children’s Hospital Centre for Community Child Health.

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  • Murdoch Children's Research Institute

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