Baby-care Basics: Bonding and Soothing Techniques

Begin bonding by:

• Cradling your baby in your lap
• Gently stroking him or her in different patterns
• Take the opportunity to be "skin-to-skin," holding your newborn against your own skin while feeding or cradling
• Massage your baby gently
• Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your infant's hearing
• Try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair
• Keep noise and light levels moderate
• Swaddle the baby
  

Swaddling Tehniques:

• Keeps a baby's arms close to the body and legs securely bound
• Spread out the receiving blanket, with one corner folded over slightly
• Lay the baby face-up on the blanket with his or her head at the folded corner
• Wrap the left corner over the body and tuck it beneath
• Bring the bottom corner up over the baby's feet
• Wrap the right corner around the baby, leaving only the neck and head exposed