Parents can enhance bonding through various activities and practices: - Skin-to-skin contact: Holding the baby close to the skin, especially immediately after birth, can significantly enhance bonding. - Responsive feeding: Whether breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, paying attention to the child's hunger cues and feeding them on demand fosters a sense of trust and security. - Eye contact and facial expressions: Making eye contact and smiling at the baby helps in developing a connection. - Talking and singing: Engaging in baby talk, singing lullabies, and reading stories can improve bonding and also aid in the child's language development. - Playtime: Interactive play, such as peekaboo or gentle tickling, can be incredibly effective for bonding.
