Maternity bubble
You’ve had your baby and you’re in love. The maternity bubble is in full force, until your partner goes back to work. When it’s just you and your little one, days can feel long (especially in the winter!), loneliness creeps in, and sometimes it comes with the doubt that you’re doing everything to bond with your baby. We’ve all been there – it isn’t a pleasant feeling, but there are so many easy ways to fix it. Here’s a few simple suggestions:
Read to your baby
When they’re very little, the focus here doesn’t have to be the story. Hearing your voice helps reaffirm your bond and looking at picture books will encourage your baby to take in shapes and colours. Visit the BookTrust for tips on reading to your baby.
Use your surroundings as inspiration
Parents often mention that they don’t know what to talk to their baby about, but short bursts of chatter around what you’re doing is enough to engage your baby and encourage brain development. Think of using everyday situations to really focus on talking, e.g. nappy changes: can you use the characters on your baby’s nappy to engage them with a funny song?
Sock puppets
Sock puppets are an easy winner for lots of giggles. Nothing fancy needed, just a couple of funny voices and a visit from the tickle monster will brighten your baby’s day (extra brownie points if you can find some googly eyes!).
Discover something new
Love seeing your baby’s look of wonder when they discover something new? Us too. Try giving them a cup of cold water and a cup of warm water, and alternate dipping their hand in each – they’ll be fascinated by the sensory experience!
Download the Nappychat app
The Nappychat app. is full of activities, songs and stories to help you bond with your baby, and each activity is tailored to your baby’s age.
With all things baby, it’s important not to doubt yourself. Remember, babies are hard, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, but you’ve got this!
AUTHOR: MUM & YOU
NEW MUM AND BABY, SURREY
Mum & You is a new, innovative mum and baby brand with the core purpose of supporting mums to help babies thrive. Every sale sees families in need supported with basic hygiene products and provides support in innovation and independence.