Developing a strong emotional bond with the baby (age 3-6 months)

At the age of 3-6 months, babies increasingly try to actively talk with the people around them, but also increasingly need to share their interests and willingness to communicate with others - to engage others in the conversation.

When the baby smiles at you, for example, he/she wants you to smile back. When he/she coos, he/she really wants you to respond and participate in this conversation. When you recognize and respond to this type of needs, the baby feels safe: he/she recognizes that you understand him/her, that he/she is adept at saying what he/she needs and that he/she is important to you. The baby thus strengthens his/her emotional bond with you and becomes increasingly ready to explore the world around him/her and improve his/her skills.

Here's what you can do to strengthen the emotional bond between you and the baby at this age:

  • put the baby on your lap so that you can look in each other's eyes. Speak gently to him/her, look at him/her gently and smile. Keep eye contact - the look in your eyes should be gentle and smiling. Respond to the baby's reactions with a smile and words;
  • tell the baby about what you are doing while doing the usual things around the house. The sound of your voice will calm the baby;
  • when the baby tries to “make conversation” - by making different sounds - show that you are listening to him/her.  Smile, nod, widen your eyes. Ask questions to him/her, speak, show surprise. Your response will encourage the baby to talk further;
  • when the baby is upset, help him/her calm down. Cuddle the baby, speak to him/her gently, put on quiet, soothing music.