For parents, forming a bond or attachment and communicating with a new born is very important for infant’s healthy growth and development. It doesn’t take much effort, just responding to them with lots of smiles, love, warmth and cuddles. Here are some of the effective ways in which parents can bond with their new-born, how they can communicate with them and how baby forms attachments.   Bonding with the baby: benefits and major techniques Forming a bond with the new-born is considered very crucial as it plays a significant role in releasing of hormones and chemicals in new-born’s brain which boosts rapid brain growth and development, enabling them learn new things around them. Bonding also gives a new born baby, a sense of security and comfort from the parents, which further leads to social, emotional and cognitive development from an early age and also casts a positive lifelong effect on their mental health. A new born infant usually shows certain behaviour or uses certain body languages to signal that they want attention or they want to bond such as- smiling, cooing, laughing or making little noises while making eye contact, holding out their arms or more looking relaxed and interested. In that case, the parents can use certain tips and techniques like         1.Learning to understand the baby’s signals and copy them back in response to show the understanding, Regularly touching, cuddling and providing skin-to-skin contact to the baby during the breastfeeding, bath and massage.  Talking and singing to the new-born in a gentle, soothing and reassuring tone. It will make the baby calm, and helps them to recognise their parent’s voices and can also help in in understanding the language. Responding and proving comfort to the baby when they cry as it will help them to feel safe and secure. Baby communication: Significance and guidance A new born uses a vey unique way of communicate with its parents, that is using body languages and facial expressions and most importantly by crying. It is very crucial for the parents to understand these little signals and cues and responding warmly to their needs as it lets them form an understanding that their parents are listening. Parents should always utilise every little opportunity to talk with their baby as it will help them to recognise their voice and will increase the understanding of new words.  Some of the ways in which parents can communicate with their infant are- Speaking the words, slowly, softly and in an exciting manner. Saying the things, which will make the baby laugh and by using songs and facial expressions.

What to hold in the third trimester With your bulging belly and lower than usual energy levels, you might not be doing much these days. The good news is, now that you’re in your third trimester, you don’t have much time. Here are a few things to avoid in your third trimester – many of which you’ll be able to do again soon! Travel. This may seem obvious, but as your due date approaches, you probably don’t want to stray too far from home. Also, some modes of transportation — such as air travel — are banned after around 36 weeks of pregnancy (and maybe earlier), depending on airline policies. Lie on your back Chances are you haven’t slept or done abdominal exercises in a few months. But you should also avoid lying flat on your back during pregnancy, as the combined weight of your uterus and baby can compress the vein that carries blood from your lower body to your heart, causing nausea and shortness of breath. Hot tubs and saunas. You’ve never needed a long soak again — and yet you must avoid hot tubs and saunas (especially anything that raises your indoor temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit) until you deliver. When taking a bath, keep the water at around 97 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit and monitor the levels with a thermometer. And of course, be careful not to lose your balance in the tub. Sport in warm temperatures. You don’t have to stop exercising during your third trimester, but you should avoid exercising in hot weather. After all, now is not the time to try hot (Bikram) yoga. Stay indoors to reduce the chance of overheating or dehydration. Alcohol. No amount of alcohol has been proven safe at any point during pregnancy — so make a mocktail out of it. Raw or undercooked foods. Raw and undercooked foods (mainly poultry, eggs, meat or fish) can harbour infection-causing bacteria, so you should keep them out of your diet for the rest of your pregnancy. Unpasteurized dairy products and juices. You may not come across unpasteurized milk or juice very often, but you can come across certain cheeses made with unpasteurized milk. For example, soft cheeses like brie, goat, and feta are common culprits. Check the label to ensure the product was made with pasteurized ingredients.

You’re cradling a crying baby (again) and wishing you were anywhere but here. What can you do to deal with this? Bury your nose in that soft spot on your baby’s neck and breathe in this heavenly scent. Then try these tricks: To calm oneself down. Okay, that’s easier said than done. But it’s worth it. Promise. Why does it work? It’s something called entrainment: we’re programmed to fall in sync with an external rhythm. This means your baby’s breathing and heartbeat will naturally follow yours. So hold her slow. Cluster feed. During the witching hour, your baby may want to nurse every 30 minutes or more. That’s perfectly fine. Hopefully they’ll sleep longer at night when they fill up their tummy with cluster feeding. Use a pacifier. All babies have a strong sucking reflex. You can try soothing your baby with a pacifier instead of offering your breast or a bottle. Not only will sucking soothe your baby, but all the saliva he swallows will help break down the milk that’s already in his stomach. Offer skin-to-skin time. You can soothe your baby by holding him naked to your chest (red alert: leave diaper on) so he can hear your heartbeat. Check for tourniquet syndrome. Make sure no hair is caught on your baby’s fingers, toes, or genitals. The hair could restrict blood flow and cause redness and swelling. It’s pretty rare, but keep your eyes peeled. What can help a crying baby? You can’t spoil your baby with too much attention. To calm a crying baby: First, make sure your baby doesn’t have a fever. In a baby, a fever is a temperature of 38°C (100.4°F). Call the doctor right away if your baby has a fever. Make sure your baby is not hungry and has a clean diaper. Cradle or walk the baby. Sing or talk to your baby. Offer the baby a pacifier. Take the baby for a stroller ride. Hold your baby close to your body and breathe calmly and slowly. Give the baby a warm bath. Pat or rub the baby’s back. Place your baby on his tummy across your lap and rub your baby’s back. Put your baby in a swing or vibrating seat. The movement can be calming. Put your baby in an infant carrier in the back of the car and go for a ride. The vibrations and movements of the car often have a calming effect. Play music – some babies respond to both sound and movement. Some babies need less stimulation. Babies 2 months and younger may be well swaddled and lying on their backs in the cradle when the lights are very dim or dim. Make sure the wrap is not too tight. Stop changing when the baby starts to roll over. Never shake a baby A crying baby can cause extreme stress. In fact, mothers are biologically wired to feel this stress. So when crying seems unstoppable, stress is building up in your body. Still, make sure you never shake your baby. Severe shaking can cause the blood capillaries in your baby’s brain to burst. Shaken Baby Syndrome can be fatal. If you’re feeling extreme stress when your baby cries, it’s perfectly okay to place your child safely in their crib and step back to take a few deep breaths. You can also ask your partner or a friend to do the caring for you for a while.

Babies at this age have a fresh perspective on the universe. They discover that just because mom and dad aren’t around at a particular time doesn’t imply they don’t exist. Now that you’re gone more often, your infant might start to miss you. This may cause separation anxiety or discomfort upon your departure. This could appear negative, but it’s actually a very excellent thing that represents a significant shift in perspective. To make your kid feel loved and secure, reassure and comfort him or her. How much will my 7 to 9-month-old baby grow? While all babies can grow at different rates, the following gives the average for boys and girls aged 7 to 9 months: Weight: average gain of 0.5-1 lb per month; twice the birth weight by 4 to 5 months and triple the birth weight by 1 year Height: average growth of about ½ inch per month Head Size: average growth of about ¼ inch per month Babies’ growth begins to slow down as their first birthday approaches. Your doctor has measured your baby’s weight, length and head size (circumference) since birth and entered it into a growth chart. This is the first place to look if you have questions about your baby’s growth. When you look at the growth chart with the doctor, compare your baby’s growth to his own growth pattern, not to the growth of other babies. As long as your baby’s growth is stable, there is usually nothing to worry about. If you’re concerned about your baby’s weight or growth, talk to your doctor, who may ask: Was your baby sick? A few days without eating, especially when combined with vomiting, can result in weight loss. The weight will come back as your little one feels better. Is your baby on the way? Crawling, cruising, and walking burn calories, so weight gain may be less with this new mobility. Is your baby more interested in playing cuckoo or dropping the spoon on the floor than in eating? The world is a fascinating place and your baby is learning new things every day. Try not to distract your baby during mealtimes. Also, look out for signs that your child has eaten enough. Are you Introducing the right foods? As your baby becomes better at eating, pay more attention to the texture and type of food you serve. If your child isn’t interested in pureed baby food, try soft table foods and finger foods that are safe and fun. Is your baby still drinking enough breast milk or formula? The volume of liquid decreases as the volume of solid food increases. However, it is important that your baby drinks 20-28 ounces of breast milk or formula daily to have enough calories to grow. Can Babies Gain Too Much Weight? Some babies and toddlers are overweight. In these cases, the advice of the baby doctor can help, such as: Never skip feedings. Watch for signs your baby is full. Make sure your baby’s calories are from nutritious sources — like fruits, vegetables, and fortified cereals. Breast milk or formula should also be the main source of nutrition in the first year of life. Play with your baby and encourage physical activity. Make sure your child has a safe place to move around. Limit the time it spends in car seats, strollers, and playpens. One of the best things you can do for your baby is to eat well and be physically active. Your baby has a better chance of growing up a fit when good health habits are part of the family’s lifestyle. You’ll set a good example – and have the energy to keep up with your little one. What can my 7 to 9-month-old baby do at this age? Babies develop their physical skills quickly at this age. They are becoming mobile for the first time and security in the home is becoming an important issue. While babies can progress at different rates, the following are some of the most common milestones your baby may reach in this age group: Rolls easily front to back and back to front Sits bent forward on hands at first, then unsupported Jumps when supported to stand Gets on hands and feet and rocks back and forth Can crawl, slide, crawl – backwards first, then forwards (some babies skip crawling!) Begins to pull himself up to get up Grabs and grabs objects with the whole hand Slams toys on the table Can hold an item in each hand Can hold a bottle Plays cuckoo Grips objects with thumb and fingers after 8 to 9 months Begins teething, usually starting with the two central front teeth in the lower jaw, then the two central front teeth in the upper jaw Learn to drink from the cup Puts everything in his mouth Naps are usually twice, sometimes three times a day, for one to two hours each (on average) May wake up and cry during the night What can a 7 to 9-month-old baby say? It is very exciting for parents to see their babies grow into social beings who can interact with others. While each baby develops language at their own pace, the following are some of the most common milestones in this age group: Makes two-syllable sounds (ma-ma, da-da) Makes several different vowels, especially “o” and “u” Repeats sounds or noises made by others What can a 7 to 9-month-old baby understand? The baby’s awareness of people and the environment increases during this time. While babies can progress at different rates, the following are some of the most common milestones in this age group: Reacts to own name and “no” Pay attention to conversations Seems to understand some words (e.g. “eat”) Prefers mother to others Enjoys seeing yourself in the mirror Responds to changes in the emotions of others Is afraid of strangers Shows interest and aversion to food Makes attention-grabbing noises like coughing or snorting Begins to understand the permanence of objects and can uncover a toy after seeing it covered or watch a spoon fall off a high chair Can follow one-step commands with a demonstration sign (e.g., “Get the ball” while parents point to the ball) Can start learning basic sign language to communicate

Babies who are between 10 and 12 months old are learning a lot and displaying interest in their environment. Babies can now hold themselves with their hands and are starting to pull themselves to a standing posture during these exciting milestone months. Some infants may even begin to take a few independent steps. To determine whether a baby is developing as predicted, doctors look at specific milestones. Some babies develop their talents earlier or later than others since there is a wide range of what is regarded as normal. Premature babies frequently delay reaching developmental milestones. Always discuss your baby’s development with your doctor. How much will my 10-12-month-old baby grow? While all babies can grow at different rates, the following gives the average for boys and girls aged 10-12 months: Weight: Average gain of about 13 ounces per month, birth weight doubles at about 4 to 5 months and triples at a year Size: Average growth of just over ½ inch per month, with most infants growing 10 inches in their first year. Head Size: average growth of about ½ inch per month What can my 10 to 12-month-old baby do at this age? As your baby continues to grow, you will find new and exciting skills developing. While babies can progress at different rates, the following are some of the most common milestones your child may reach in this age group: Pulls himself into a standing position Can sit down from standing Cruises or walks clinging to furniture May stand next to furniture without holding on Can walk by holding onto your finger or hand Can begin to take steps and walk independently Plays ball by receiving and returning a rolled ball Can pick up food and small objects with fingers Can even feed finger food Drinks from a cup with a spout Can turn pages in a book, often several at a time Slams objects together Mimics doodle New teeth keep erupting; may have four to six teeth by the age of one year Takes two naps a day and can sleep up to 12 hours at night without food Wake up at night looking for the parents What can my 10-12-month-old baby say? Language development is very exciting for parents as they watch their babies grow into social creatures who can interact with others. While each baby develops language at their own pace, the following are some of the most common milestones in this age group: Say Da-Da and Ma-Ma and you know who these people are Mimics sounds and some speech Can say things like “Uh oh” Mimics animal sounds in response to questions (e.g., “What is the cow saying?”) Simple gesture (e.g. shaking head “No”) What does my 10 to 12-month-old baby understand? Babies at this age are much more aware of others and themselves. They are not sure yet if their parents will return after they leave. Some common milestones that children in this age group can achieve include: Recognizes familiar objects and pictures in books and can point to some objects when asked “Where is…?”. Follows a one-step command that requires the parent to show the child how to do it Has preferences for people and toys, and may have a favourite toy or blanket Is curious and wants to explore Moves to the music Intentionally drops items for others to pick up Points and gestures for objects and actions May begin to pretend simple activities such as cleaning or drinking from a cup How does my 10-12-month-old baby interact with others? Babies at this age have a better understanding of their relationship with others, e.g. B. when they are near or far, coming or going. Although every child’s personality is unique, some of your child’s common behavioural traits may include: Anxiety and fear of strangers; can cling and cling to parents; cries when the parents leave Waves goodbye Cries or shows emotion when “no” is said

When a new baby comes, other children might get excited. But they must learn to share love and attention with the new baby. This can be a big step, especially when children are still toddlers. Maybe you feel like you’re being pushed out of the spotlight. Almost all children have to adjust when a new baby joins the family. But eventually, a positive sibling relationship develops—usually by the time the new baby is around 14 months old. When to tell kids about a new baby When preparing for a baby, when and how much you tell your child about the new baby is up to you. The age of your child also plays a role. It can be good to Introduce the idea of ​​having a new baby fairly early in the pregnancy, maybe 3-4 months before the due date. You could try talking about babies in general, and then about your new baby. Toddlers don’t really understand time. So when you explain to your child that a new baby is coming, try to relate it to a familiar event. For example, you could say that the new baby will be born shortly after someone special’s birthday. Preparing children for a new baby Before your new baby is born, you can help your child feel positive about their new sibling. You need preparation, communication and a lot of understanding. If you can make this time positive and exciting, your child will be more likely to feel that the change affects everyone in the family, not just the new baby. Here are some ideas that may help you: Read stories about babies. Look at pictures and talk to your child about how your family is growing. Show your child pictures of you when they were very young. Let your child touch the baby bump to feel the new baby move and step inside. Even when visiting the doctor or midwife, you could have the baby’s heartbeat listened to. Involve your child in the practical preparation for the new baby. Let them help you prepare your home, and buy and decorate baby items. Talk to your child about what they look forward to most when the new baby arrives. If your child is concerned about the new baby, talk to them about their concerns and reassure them. Give your child lots of love and cuddles and focus on the positive. For example, they will have a new brother or sister to love. It's also a good idea to give your child an idea of ​​what it’s like to have a new baby in the family: If possible, spend some time with friends and their newborns. Your child will see that newborns are very sleepy and need a lot of care. Let your child know that the baby will be an independent little person with needs of their own. Encourage your child to socialize and play with other children. This will help your child develop the social skills to have a good relationship with a new sibling. Perhaps you can join a playgroup or get other family members—both children and adults—to spend some quality time with your child. Work, childbirth, hospitals and other children During labour and birth Some parents consider having their child present at the birth of a new baby. Or you are planning a home birth and are considering what is best for your child. As you ponder these things, it may help to consider the following: How old is your child is How to explain the birth process to your child beforehand Whether you feel comfortable in the presence of your child Whether you consent to your child being exposed to nudity and sexuality Whether another trusted adult could be present to support your child if they are uncomfortable or upset. During a hospital stay Here are some ideas to make your child feel comfortable when you and your partner are away for a hospital birth: Let your child know who will look after them while they are in the hospital. If your child doesn’t know the caregiver well, it will take time to get used to the idea. Print out some family photos for your child to keep near their bed while you and your partner are away. Make sure your child’s routines stay the same as much as possible. This will make your child feel safer. Keep in touch with your child while you and your partner are away. If the birth went well and everyone is fine, make an appointment to see your child. Make your child feel special and loved when they visit you. Tell your child how happy you are to see them. When the new baby comes home These ideas can help you get things done when your new baby first comes home: Reassure your child with a big loving hug before introducing the new baby for the first time. This is especially important for young children. Organize a small gift for your child right from the newborn. Small children may want to get a small doll so they can have a “baby” of their own. If family and friends are bringing gifts for the new baby, suggest they bring something small for your child as well. Schedule some quality time with your child. This can be a short game outside, some painting or crafting, or a book before bed.

Other kids may become excited when a new baby is born. But they must learn to give the new infant their love and care as well. This can be a significant step, especially for young children. Perhaps you feel as though the focus is being taken away from you. Every child must adjust when a new baby is added to the household. However, over time, a good sibling connection does emerge—typically by the time the new baby is around 14 months old. When to inform children of a new baby When planning for a baby, it is up to you when and how much to inform your child about the incoming baby. Another factor is your child’s age. It can be beneficial to bring up the prospect of a second child very early in the pregnancy, perhaps three to four months before the due date. You might try discussing babies in general before bringing up your new child. Toddlers don’t fully grasp the concept of time. As a result, when telling your child that a new baby is on the way, attempt to connect it to a previous experience. Saying that the newborn will arrive soon after someone special’s birthday is one example. Getting kids ready for a new baby You may encourage your youngster to be excited about their new sibling before the baby is born. You require planning, clear communication, and a great deal of comprehension. If you can make this time positive and exciting, your child will be more likely to feel that the change affects everyone in the family, not just the new baby. Here are some ideas that may help you: Read stories about babies. Look at pictures and talk to your child about how your family is growing. Show your child pictures of you when they were very young. Let your child touch the baby bump to feel the new baby move and step inside. Even when visiting the doctor or midwife, you could have the baby’s heartbeat listened to. Involve your child in the practical preparation for the new baby. Let them help you prepare your home, and buy and decorate baby items. Talk to your child about what they look forward to most when the new baby arrives. If your child is concerned about the new baby, talk to them about their concerns and reassure them. Give your child lots of love and cuddles and focus on the positive. For example, they will have a new brother or sister to love. It's also a good idea to give your child an idea of ​​what it’s like to have a new baby in the family: If possible, spend some time with friends and their newborns. Your child will see that newborns are very sleepy and need a lot of care. Let your child know that the baby will be an independent little person with needs of their own. Encourage your child to socialize and play with other children. This will help your child develop the social skills to have a good relationship with a new sibling. Perhaps you can join a playgroup or get other family members—both children and adults—to spend some quality time with your child. Hospitals, work, childbirth, and other kids Some parents think about letting their kids see the birth of a new baby. Or perhaps you are thinking about what would be best for your child when contemplating a home birth. It could be helpful to think about the following when you reflect on these things: The age of your child How to inform your child in advance about the birthing process Whether or not you feel at ease with your child Whether you agree that your child should be exposed to sexuality and nudity Whether another dependable adult could be there to console your youngster if they’re angry or uncomfortable. During a hospital stay Here are some ideas to make your child feel comfortable when you and your partner are away for a hospital birth: Let your child know who will look after them while they are in the hospital. If your child doesn’t know the caregiver well, it will take time to get used to the idea. Print out some family photos for your child to keep near their bed while you and your partner are away. Make sure your child’s routines stay the same as much as possible. This will make your child feel safer. Keep in touch with your child while you and your partner are away. If the birth went well and everyone is fine, make an appointment to see your child. Make your child feel special and loved when they visit you. Tell your child how happy you are to see them. When the new baby comes home These ideas can help you get things done when your new baby first comes home: Reassure your child with a big loving hug before introducing the new baby for the first time. This is especially important for young children. Organize a small gift for your child right from the newborn. Small children may want to get a small doll so they can have a “baby” of their own. If family and friends are bringing gifts for the new baby, suggest they bring something small for your child as well. Schedule some quality time with your child. This can be a short game outside, some painting or crafting, or a book before bed.