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8/15/2012

[Huggies] Meaningful Interaction with a Newborn



It can seem like a struggle to interact with a newborn. They have their natural cycle of eating and sleeping, and as an exhausted new mom, you are probably in a similar state as well. But the best thing about newborns is the interaction that benefits them the most takes little effort: touching and talking.
I know a lot of moms who don't want to spoil their babies by holding them too much, but holding and touching is probably the most meaningful way to interact with them. It would be nice to have the time to just sit and enjoy that sweet, new life all day long, but with three older kids and all of the schedules that go with it, that probably won't be possible for me.

The good news is there are a ton of slings and carriers that can help you multitask by being close to your newborn and taking care of other daily tasks at the same time. But don't neglect the opportunity to just sit and hold them and coo and make facial expressions at each other.  I think that might be the most meaningful interaction you can have with your newborn baby.

Talking to your new little one is a great way to interact. I make a habit from the time my babies are born to talk to them about everything I am doing. It probably helps that I am a pretty talkative person anyways, but even though the baby won't understand what you are saying, he is used to hearing your voice all of the time, albeit from inside your womb. Getting in the habit of talking now isn't just a great interaction with your newborn but will set you up to help them identify their world and develop their speech as they get older.  You don't even have to be holding them. Put them in a bassinet or carrier that is easy to move around with you and just chat while you are folding laundry or making your bed.

Another great interaction tip I read about after having a second child is a great way to interact with your newborn while making your older child feel involved and special. It really doesn't matter what things you are saying to your newborn, so when your older child is present, use that time to tell the newborn all of the amazing things about their older sibling. "Your big sister is such a good helper." "Your big sister is a really good artist. She loves drawing pictures for you." These type of conversations help relieve some anxiety and resentment that might pop up with a new baby, and I honestly believe it provides a great foundation for a good relationship between the siblings. Nothing makes me happier as a mom than watching my children get along at any age.

Most importantly, take the time to slow down and enjoy your baby. That special bonding time is all the interaction they need. Time will speed up again before you know it, and the dirty dishes will still be there waiting for you.

Check out the Huggies Mommy Answers Facebook app and find more posts from bloggers sharing their experiences of motherhood on the Huggies page on BlogHer.com.

3 comments:

Kelli @ WhimsiKel said...

I love the idea to tell the baby what the older sibling is doing. I started doing something similar when #2 came along and started to develop. When I praise the baby for doing something good (like cooperating with taking his medicine), I say things like, "Oh, you're so good at that! I bet your big brother taught you how to do that so well!" I figure the baby hears the tone of praise and the 3-year-old hears the words as well. :)

Mimi said...

i'm scared of carrying a newborn baby because they seem so fragile, haha. but i definitely adore babies, they are soooooo adorable! :D

<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
Win 3 kinds of truffles from The Madelaine Chocolate Company! :)

Erin said...

That newborn is gorgeous!!! Hehe