Bonding and the Soothing Techniques

Bonding is, probably, one very pleasurable feature out of the many facets of   infant care which happens during the first sensitive hours and many days after the birth of the child. During this period, the parents are connected deeply with their infant. Physical closeness is conducive to mental attachment, making parents to sacrifice for the welfare of their infant.  

 This attachment plays significantly to the emotional growth of the infant affecting their other areas of development like physical growth. A different way of viewing  bonding is in love with one’s child. Children without a parent or an adult in their life loving them unconditionally usually face more problems as they grow.  

Bonding can begin by gently taking one’s baby in his/her lap and cradling and stroking the baby in different ways. If both of the parents touch and hold their infant many times, the baby will feel the difference between their touches. Either of the parents should also try to hold their baby in such a way that their skin touches the baby’s skin during cradling or feeding.  

It has been seen that few babies are quite responsive to certain kinds of light, sound or stroke. Such babies may become startled and start to cry. Their sleep is less then usual. These babies turn away their faces if one attempts to converse or sing a song to them

Babies who are born prematurely and those babies who are affected by medical problems may react to certain kinds of infant messages. An investigation has shown that babies are able to digest food and have a balanced growth if certain sorts of massages are done on their bodies. These massages also help in improving bonding of the baby with their parents. There are many video cassettes and books which have infant suggestions such as asking a child specialist for recommendations. One should be cautious as to massage the feeble body of the baby gently.

It is commonly seen that babies are pleased when they hear certain vocal sounds such as talking, prattling, cooing or singing. Babies, perhaps, also like to listen to music. Toys such as musical mobiles and jangling toys kindle the baby’s power of hearing. If one’s baby is fussy, one should try to sing a song, recite some rhyming poetry or reading something loudly while swinging the baby gently in the chair.

Those becoming parents for the first time should also learn swaddling which is another technique for soothing. This technique securely bounds baby’s arms in proximity to its legs and body. This not only warms up the baby but the adjacent pressure also gives them a feeling of comfort and security.
Here is the process of swaddling:

  • The blanket, on which the baby is to be lie, should be spread out. One corner of the blanket should be slightly folded over.
  • The baby should be laid on the blanket facing upwards. The baby’s head should be placed over the folded portion of the blanket.
  • Left corner of the blanket should be now used to wrap the baby. It should then be tucked beneath the baby’s body.
  • Bottom corner of the blanket should be now brought over the feet of the baby.
  •  Right corner of the blanket should now be used to finally wrap the baby exposing only the head and neck of the baby.