When your baby enters the world, everything is new to them. There will be people everywhere and sights, sounds, and smells that they will not have experienced when they were comfortably living in your womb.
But now your baby is outside; there may be times when they find everything quite overwhelming. They don’t understand life and are completely dependent on you to take care of them and provide them with a routine.
Building up routines around simple daily activities is a great opportunity for you to bond with your baby and for them to develop a sense of routine.
These daily chores needn’t be tiresome, they can be activities that bring you deep joy and warmth and can provide special moments between you and your baby which will transfer into a bond that will last a lifetime.
Here are some little rituals you can include in your daily routine and that can help you get to know your new baby.
Tuck Your Baby In At Bedtime
Getting your baby into a habit of regular sleeping can be a challenge. In the earliest weeks of a baby’s life, they won’t sleep for long. But, when you do put them down for a sleep, get into the habit of creating a soothing ritual that will help them drift off.
You could sing a lullaby to your baby or softly read them a bedtime story. They won’t understand the words but will learn to take comfort in the sound of your voice.
As this ritual becomes more effective, you will find that you will be able to get your much-needed rest sooner.
Making Bathtime Fun
Bathing your baby will not only ensure that they are clean and their skin is healthy, but it will also help to soothe and calm them.
Interaction with your baby is key. Talk to them while you wash them, and make the experience as fun and as positive as possible to get them used to the water.
A relaxing bath full of warm soapy water can be quite fun for your baby. As they get old enough to pick up toys and interact with the world more, you can make bathtime more and more interesting.
Give Your Baby A Massage
Giving your baby a gentle massage will help them to feel relaxed; perfect for when you want your baby to unwind before bed time. It will also help release some important bonding hormones to help you both connect more.
Take Pleasure In The Little Things
Being a new parent is stressful. The sleepless nights and crying can make you wonder what you were thinking! But by turning routine chores into special bonding moments that are full of fun, you can create some really special memories that will last a lifetime.
Related:
Life with your newborn - what nobody tells you