Seven ways to bond with your baby while bottle feeding

Yes, it’s possible to bond with your baby even if they can’t talk and all they do is feed, sleep and just stare at you. Babies are not as clueless as we think. Actually, they are able to establish an attachment from the moment they are conceived. As thus, how we talk to, look after and treat them is very important. They might not be able to speak but they, for sure, are able to know whether they feel safe and loved.

Well, there are not so many ways of bonding with a baby but during their feeding is one of the best moments to do so. There are some moms who are not able to breastfeed their babies and they often feel like they are missing on something very important. However, just like breastfeeding, when you feed your little one via a bottle you are also able to bond with them.

Let’s look at some of the things you can do to turn your bottle time into a bonding session.

1.Keep the baby close

It’s important to hold your baby as you feed them. Having a baby may be a lot of work and it’s tempting to just place them down and watch them feed but it is important to hold them. Carrying your baby as you bottle feed them gives a similar experience to that of breast feeding and makes the baby feel loved and wanted.

2.Pay attention to the baby

Your favorite show may be on but it’s important to give your baby attention as you feed them. If you can’t avoid the temptation of watching TV or being on your phone as you feed them, you can switch the devices off when it’s time to feed your little one or look for a secluded feeding space.

3.Talk to the baby

Yes, they can hear and understand you and as you feed the baby you can talk to them. This way, they are able to master your voice and know that you enjoy spending time with them. Try to talk positively to them as they can understand what you say and it will stick with them.

4.Sing to the baby

Well, we all can’t sing but we can definitely try. If anything, the baby is not looking for perfect vocals, they are not a talent show judges. When you sing to them, you make them happy and feel loved. Sing to them some baby songs or your favorite love song and of course it should be appropriate. While this is a great way to entertain them, it also enhances your bonding as it gives the baby something to look forward to, something to remember you with.

5.Hold the baby’s hand

Babies tend to stretch out their hand towards you during feeding time. You can hold their tiny hand or let them hold your finger. This is a great way of bonding; it makes them feel the same way you feel when your partner holds your hand.

6.Look into their eyes

Don’t look away during feeding time. Eye contact is important. This is how baby learns your face and the eye contact creates a great way to establish a bond. It makes them feel comfortable and wanted. Look at them and smile with them as you feed them. This also makes them feel like they have all your attention.

7.Cuddle the baby

Don’t just hold the baby but hold them tight. We all love cuddling with the people we love and so do babies. Cuddling makes them feel loved and you need to hold them close to you without squeezing them too hard as that might be uncomfortable. I know they smell too good and they are so cute you want them too close but you don’t want to hurt them so be careful with the pressure you exert when cuddling.