The first steps in connecting with the baby

Becoming a parent means, above all, getting to know your child and finding a way to be a source of security, acceptance and building a good image of him/herself. Sometimes we may have the impression that there are some - good enough - guidelines about children that apply to all of them, including general child care guidelines. The reality, however, is that every child is completely different and the path to becoming a good parent is, in fact, your unique experience with your own child.

Science says that the first step in quality parenting, as well as your child's sound development - is finding a way to connect with the baby.

Connecting with the baby means responding to the baby's needs with tenderness, love and care. When you behave like this, you become special to the baby, someone he/she trusts and relies on, someone he/she calms down with, learns new skills with, learns about him/herself and the world with.

Building a connection between you and your baby is one of the crucial aspects of development. When your baby gets what he/she needs from you: a smile, protection, cuddling, tenderness - he/she feels that he/she is safe and that the world is a safe place to learn about, play in and explore. This forms the foundation of your child's mental health, well-being and overall development during childhood and later in life.

In order to connect with the baby, it is important, first of all, to follow - watch, listen, notice things about your baby (what he/she likes, what calms him/her, what disturbs him/her, how he/she reacts to pain, sounds...). Next, it is important to understand your baby's "language." Babies usually "speak" by turning their eyes and head, directing their gaze or movement towards you, keeping eye contact, turning their head to the sound of your voice, making little sounds or crying, relaxed look, interested look or moving their arms and legs while in contact with you. Follow these behaviors in your child and try to respond to them.