Most mothers are very attentive to caring for their newborns from the first moments—providing feeding, diaper changes, daily baths, and clothing changes. However, one crucial aspect is often overlooked: a newborn is an incredibly sensitive human being who can sense the emotions of those around them, especially their mother.
Experts highlight the importance of the “heartbeat sound,” emphasizing that a baby benefits from hearing the mother’s heartbeat regularly, which strengthens their emotional and physical well-being.
Dr. Linda Zgaber, a child nutrition and sleep consultant, shares four surprising ways to strengthen your bond with your newborn from day one:
1. Respond Immediately When Your Baby Cries
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Responding quickly to your baby’s cries helps them feel secure and safe in the new world.
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Leaving a newborn to cry for long periods can increase stress hormones, leading to heightened irritability and frequent fussiness.
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Continuous crying without comfort may also affect the heart rate and oxygen levels, potentially causing serious complications.
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Tip: Attend to your baby promptly to establish trust and a sense of safety.
2. Establish a Safe Daily Sleep Routine
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Even from day one, babies can sense and benefit from routines.
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A consistent sleep routine helps your baby feel secure and builds a positive connection with you.
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Example routine steps:
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Diaper change
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Bath and drying
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Full feeding
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Soft, gentle singing
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Gradual transition to active sleep, then deep sleep
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Optional early reading sessions—reading aloud strengthens bonding and helps develop early language skills.
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3. Talk to Your Baby Constantly
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Talking to your baby is beneficial even if they don’t understand words.
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Hearing your voice, familiar from the womb, creates comfort and strengthens attachment.
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Early communication can support:
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Cognitive development
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Language acquisition
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Understanding of sounds and word associations
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Tip: Speak clearly in your native language, and pair words with expressive body language to convey emotions.
4. Hold and Hug Your Baby Frequently
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Daily physical contact, hugs, and holding your baby close has profound benefits.
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Your baby can feel your heartbeat, sense your touch, and recognize your scent, which enhances both emotional and physical health.
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Benefits include:
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Stronger immunity
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Increased oxytocin production in the hypothalamus
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Emotional security and reduced susceptibility to illness
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Children who grow up with consistent warmth and physical affection are healthier and more resilient.
Tip: Encourage both parents to participate in regular hugs and holding sessions. Daily physical affection becomes part of a nurturing routine that fosters joy, optimism, and strong emotional bonds.
Key Takeaway
From day one, consistent response, routines, talking, and hugging are crucial to building a secure, healthy relationship with your baby. These early habits lay the foundation for emotional well-being, physical health, and strong family bonds that last a lifetime.
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