Welcoming a newborn is a moment rich in emotion and responsibility. As parents, especially first-timers, a pressing question often arises: “When should I start bonding with my baby?” The answer is simple: right from the beginning. But timing isn’t enough. Bonding is a process, not a one-time event. It begins even before birth and deepens with time, attention, and love.
As a pediatrician in Dubai, Dr. Olfa Koobar frequently guides new parents through this journey, helping them understand the best ways to foster early connection and emotional development.
What Does Bonding Mean?
Bonding is the deep emotional connection that develops between a parent and their child. It’s this powerful attachment that makes you instinctively want to comfort, protect, and care for your baby. This bond is not only emotionally fulfilling but also essential for your baby’s healthy physical and mental development.
Bonding helps your child:
- Feel safe and secure
- Develop trust
- Learn how to form healthy relationships in the future
- Thrive emotionally and socially
From a pediatrician’s perspective, early bonding lays the foundation for better communication, fewer behavioral problems, and better immune health.
Can Bonding Start Before Birth?
Absolutely. Many expectant parents are surprised to learn that bonding can begin during pregnancy. Talking to your baby, listening to music, gently stroking your belly, or practicing mindfulness with your baby can all begin this process.
Studies show that babies in the womb can hear and respond to their mother’s voice and heartbeat. This means your voice, emotions, and even stress levels can influence your baby’s feelings. That’s why many pediatricians recommend that mothers and fathers, too, engage with their babies during pregnancy. These small gestures of connection can set the tone for a smoother transition after birth.
The Golden Hour After Birth
The first hour after your baby is born—often called the “Golden Hour”—is a magical time. During this period, skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and eye contact help initiate a strong emotional bond between you and your newborn.
Dr. Olfa Koobar, a highly experienced pediatrician in Dubai, encourages mothers and partners to take advantage of this hour when possible. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate, and promotes the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone”—in you and your baby.
What If You Can’t Bond Right Away?
Sometimes, due to medical complications or premature birth, bonding can be delayed. In this case, don’t worry: bonding can happen later and be just as valuable. As a neonatologist, Dr. Koobar often works with premature babies and their families, accompanying them through their NICU stays and helping them build strong bonds despite early challenges.
Remember, bonding is not a race. It’s okay if it doesn’t happen instantly. What matters is being present, responsive, and patient. Your baby will learn to trust and connect with you over time.
How to Strengthen the Bond With Your Baby
Even after leaving the hospital, there are countless ways to nurture your relationship with your baby. Here are a few tips recommended by leading pediatricians:
1. Touch and Hold
Physical contact, such as cuddling, holding, and babywearing, can significantly deepen your emotional connection.
2. Respond to Cues
Crying, cooing, or fussing—your baby is trying to communicate. Responding promptly to these cues helps your baby feel understood and secure.
3. Breastfeed or Bottle-Feed With Intention
Feeding time isn’t just about nourishment. Make eye contact, talk gently, and enjoy these quiet moments together.
4. Talk and Sing
Babies love the sound of your voice. Singing lullabies or just chatting with your baby can be incredibly soothing and beneficial for bonding and language development.
5. Establish a Routine
Babies thrive on consistency. Establishing a calm, predictable routine can build trust and make your baby feel safe.
6. Be Patient With Yourself
Not every parent feels a deep connection immediately. That’s okay. Give yourself grace, and don’t hesitate to speak to a trusted pediatrician if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure.
When to Seek Help
If you’re struggling to bond with your baby, you’re not alone. Some parents experience postpartum depression or anxiety, which can interfere with bonding. This is a medical condition, not a reflection of your love or commitment. A qualified pediatrician or mental health professional can provide the appropriate support and treatment.
Learn more about our Pediatric Services to get expert advice and care for your child’s growth and well-being.
Final Thoughts
The question isn’t just when to bond with your baby, but how. From pregnancy through the early days and beyond, every loving interaction contributes to your child becoming a confident, happy, and emotionally healthy individual. With the expert guidance of a caring pediatrician like Dr. Olfa Koobar, parents in Dubai can give their baby the best possible start with confidence.
If you’re preparing for parenthood or need support after your baby’s arrival, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Dr. Olfa today.
