Bonding with your baby: a newspaper guide to the first days — what really works

Source: Pixel

The first days with your newborn are crucial for emotional bonding and long-term development. We bring proven, simple practices with top-notch resources that you can implement today — without complicated routines, with a high “return on effort.”

1) Skin-to-skin: a simple ritual with a big impact

Continuous skin-to-skin contact (a diapered baby on your bare chest, covered with a blanket) calms the newborn, stabilizes temperature and breathing, and increases the likelihood of successful breastfeeding. The WHO recommends at least 90 minutes of uninterrupted contact immediately after birth , and you can continue the practice at home.

Operational : Aim for short but frequent sessions each day. If you are tired, skin-to-skin can be carried out by another carer – the benefit remains. The NHS confirms that this is the standard of care both in the maternity ward and at home.

2) Responsive care: reading signals instead of a rigid schedule

The relationship is built by responding in a timely manner to the baby's messages: early seeking of the breast, the need to calm down, eye contact. The "rooming-in" approach (the baby stays with you 24/7) makes it easier to recognize signals and feed on demand. The NHS guides stress that connectivity develops at different paces and that it's "okay" if you take a little time — consistent responsiveness is what counts.

3) "Serve-and-return": micro-interactions that build the brain

Alternate, brief exchanges—a look, a smile, a coo, a chat, and a hum—literally shape brain architecture and are the foundation for language and social development. The Harvard Center on the Developing Child calls this principle serve-and-return and recommends it during daily routines (changing clothes, bathing, getting ready for bed). Plan for 60–120 seconds of focused “dialogue” several times a day.

4) Safe sleep: non-negotiable rules

For every sleep: on the back , on a firm, flat, non-tilting surface, without pillows, decorations and soft toys; sharing a room, not a bed . The updated American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines remain the clear standard; breastfeeding is additionally protective.

5) Self-care: parent capacity = quality of connection

Rest, hydration, and a supportive environment are not nice-to-haves, but prerequisites. If you notice signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, seek professional help — the condition is common and treatable , and early intervention is best practice.

Box: What the science says (briefly and clearly)

• Kangaroo Mother Care significantly reduces mortality of premature and/or LBW infants; the benefit is greater the earlier it is started

• Skin-to-skin ≥90 min immediately after birth maximizes readiness for first breastfeeding

• Serve-and-return interactions support early language, social and cognitive development

• Safe sleep : back-to-sleep, empty sleep surface, room-sharing — still the gold standard

Checklist for the first 7 days (print & stick)

• 1–2 skin-to-skin sessions every day

• Feeding on early signs (before crying)

• Serve-and-return micro-exchanges in every routine

• Safe sleep : back, firm and empty surface; room yes, bed no

• Self-care : distribute nightly tasks, plan mini-breaks; contact a professional if necessary