As a new parent, you certainly want to do everything that you can to make sure that your baby is properly provided for at all times. You read up on all the latest parenting books, buy all the necessary supplies and even find a good pediatrician. With all that also comes bonding. It is extremely important that you bond with your baby from a very early time. Bonding makes your baby feel safe and secure and when you bond with your baby, you can feel good knowing that you are doing all you can for your child. Here are five important tips for bonding with your baby.

New Parent Tip # 1:

Hold your baby as soon as you can: After you deliver your little bundle of joy, it is important to hold your baby as soon as possible. If your delivery goes as expected, most labor and delivery nurses and doctors will swaddle your baby and hand him or her right over to you. Many moms take joy in nursing right away. Even if you do not nurse, you can still hold your baby. This will allow you and your baby to get to know each other a little better. Babies have keen sense of smell and they will get to know you right away.

New Parent Tip #2

Feed your baby: After your baby is born, you want to take part in the feeding ritual whether you are bottle-feeding or breastfeeding. Many experts agree that breast-feeding is the most intimate way to bond with your baby, but bottle-feeding parents can bond with their baby just as easily. Hold your baby close; look into his or her eyes while feeding and you will soon find yourself deeply in love with that little infant.

New Parent Tip #3

NICU tips: If you find yourself in a situation where your baby is whisked away to the NICU, then you may feel it is harder to bond with your baby. This is especially true if your infant is placed in an enclosed isolette or is covered in wires or tubes. The fact of the matter is-this can happen. If you find yourself unable to feed or hold your baby, you can still bond by touching and talking to your baby. When your baby is strong enough to eat or be held, take every to take part in the feeding, and diapering of your baby.

New Parent Tip #4

Talk to your baby: Talking and singing to your baby is very important. Even if you don't have the most desirable singing voice, your baby will take comfort in hearing you. Talk in gentle voices and always talk to your baby. You can even talk to your baby while you cook dinner or do household chores. The idea is to allow your baby to hear your voice no matter what you are saying.

New Parent Tip #5

Your baby is a part of your family: Remember that your new baby is now a part of the family. Don't isolate your baby. Allow him or her to be near you and other family members. Don't think that your baby can't tolerate household action and noises. Get out the bouncy seat and sit your baby in the middle of the living room floor while you talk on the phone, wash dishes or anything else. Making sure your baby is near you will help you get to know your baby better.

Bonding is very important. If you are expecting, then you can use some of these tips to make sure that your baby knows you right away. Also remember that sometimes you can bond too much, so you should use your judgment. Always carrying your baby with you and responding to every cry and whimper can result in a baby that is too dependent on you, making your life more difficult.