Article: Establishing a bond with your baby as a newborn and throughout infancy is an important part of promoting her health and development. From soothing, cradling, and eventually playing with your baby, do activities that promote a bond between you and your child. You can bond with and stimulate your baby through a variety of activities including:  Massage or gentle stroking Vocal stimulation such as talking, singing, reading, or cooing.  Maintaining eye to eye contact at close range.  Playing with age-appropriate toys. Most babies will invariably get cranky at times. Soothing her as she cries can help her to calm down and promote your bonding.  Avoid sudden movements, bright lights, and loud noises so that you don’t startle your baby.  Pick your baby up if she cannot calm down from crying. Stroke her skin and speak to her in a soft voice to help her calm down.  Swaddling newborns and babies under two months can help soothe them. No matter if you are using a carrier, car seat, or stroller, make sure that your baby is securely fastened into the unit. This can prevent injuries or even death.  Learn how to properly secure your baby in carriers, strollers, and car seats. Most hospital will not allow you to leave without an appropriate car seat that you can properly use.  Ask questions about using carriers, strollers, and car seats as you need. You can also read packaging instructions. Limit activities that are too rough or bouncy, which can be dangerous for a baby. Many people feel overwhelmed when caring for a baby. Ask your partner, friends, or family members to help you care for your baby on occasion or when you need it. You may want to consider hiring a reputable babysitter you trust to give you some me time, too.  Know that it’s okay to ask for help and that many people are willing to help out with babies.  If you don’t have any close friends or family to help you, your doctor or local hospital may help you find someone to help you. Schedule regular doctor’s visits for your baby. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, contact the pediatrician’s office. It’s better to be safe and ask questions than have something turn into a problem. Talk to your doctor right away if you think your baby has a fever or seems ill or is injured in any way.   Schedule regular doctor’s visits for your baby. Your pediatrician will check that she is thriving and developing according to schedule. In addition, she will make sure your child is vaccinated against diseases. Your baby should see her doctor at regular intervals including: at birth, three to five days old, two to four weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months, one year, 15 months, and 18 months.  Note what each visit will entail so that nothing comes as a surprise. For example, at three to five days your doctor will check your baby’s weight, length and head circumference and ask questions about feedings, sleeping habits, and defecation. At two months, your baby will receive his first round of vaccines. At nine months, your doctor will check your baby’s size and developmental issues such as speaking, standing, and playing peek-a-boo.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Promote bonding with your baby. Soothe a cranky baby. Secure your baby in carriers. Ask for help. Visit your pediatrician.