A mother naturally seeks to build a deep, nurturing bond with her child. This love is instinctive and divinely rooted, and mothers use many ways to express it—from holding and kissing their baby to singing and whispering softly in their little one’s ear.
Beyond the emotional connection, certain daily actions can positively impact a newborn’s development, immunity, and emotional well-being. In an interview with Nadormagazine wa Tufluk magazine, Dr. Mohammad Abu Dawood, pediatric and neonatal care consultant, shares three essential practices every mother can incorporate into her daily routine to build a strong connection with her newborn:
1. Talk and Play with Your Baby
Early communication is vital. Talk to your newborn from the earliest days—even from the womb—using clear, proper language. Speaking to your baby in correct Arabic (or your native language) instead of "baby talk" improves cognitive development and boosts intelligence. Babies who hear properly spoken language are shown to score higher on IQ tests and learn to identify objects and grasp them more effectively.
Researchers have observed that babies respond better to objects they can name or have heard repeatedly. Using proper language activates mental clarity and avoids confusion that can result from hearing inconsistent or unclear speech.
Moreover, early verbal and visual interaction boosts the release of the hormone oxytocin, which plays a crucial role in brain development. Babies whose mothers gaze into their eyes, smile at them often, and speak gently—even during sleep—show improved growth and mental development.
2. Give Your Baby a Gentle Face Massage Before Bed
Massaging your baby’s face, especially before bedtime, has proven benefits. It helps:
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Reduce tension after crying
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Increase blood circulation to the head and face
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Enhance brain activity
To do this:
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Lay your baby on a flat, soft, and secure surface.
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Using your index fingers, gently massage from the forehead toward the temples.
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Use circular motions on the cheeks and continue down to the chin.
This practice can also help reduce maternal anxiety, promoting calmness, confidence, and a stronger bond—especially beneficial for first-time mothers.
3. Lay Your Baby on Your Chest Daily (Skin-to-Skin Contact)
Placing your baby on your chest for a few minutes each day creates essential skin-to-skin contact, known for its multiple benefits:
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Boosts the baby’s immune system
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Stabilizes the baby’s body temperature and heart rate
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Reduces crying and stress
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Encourages breastfeeding and milk production
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Supports natural development, especially for premature babies
Hearing the mother's heartbeat soothes the newborn and strengthens emotional security. This practice also:
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Helps relieve breast engorgement in the mother
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Improves sleep quality for both mother and baby
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Reduces the risk of postpartum depression
Can a Baby Stop Communicating with the Mother?
Yes, babies may sometimes stop engaging or responding. Initially, they express happiness through:
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Cooing sounds
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Eye contact
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Smiling
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Moving hands and legs excitedly
However, overdoing certain actions (like constant holding or excessive massage) may lead to disinterest or overstimulation. As babies grow, they also become curious about their surroundings, which may reduce their responsiveness to routine interactions.
By paying close attention to your baby's responses and adapting your care, you can foster a strong, lasting bond that supports their emotional and cognitive growth from the very beginning.
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