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Helping with a premature baby
Having a premature baby can be emotionally daunting – make sure you’re getting all the support you need.
Bonding with your baby at 0–3 months
TIME IS PRECIOUS
How to foster the connection with your newborn
Building bonds with your baby will come naturally, so don’t feel daunted by the prospect, even if you’re not the one doing the feeding. It’s also important that the three of you – and any siblings – spend time together to give your new little one a real sense of belonging.
Building the connection
Here are some simple ways in which you can create that sense of connection with your baby:
- Hold your baby close to you during feeding
- Move their arms and legs gently
- Massage them as you did in the first few weeks
- Pick them up and rock them
- Touch them
Physical touch is the best way of building a bond with your baby, as it:
- Gives them a sense of safety and security
- Involves them in the world around them
- Communicates with them so they can respond to you
The more contact you have with your baby, the stronger a bond you will build. But don’t be discouraged if they take a while to respond – it will naturally take a bit of time for you to get used to each other.
Last reviewed: 19th November 2015
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