How to Bond with Your Newborn

Tummy time is important for strengthening your baby's upper body, and it's another way to teach your baby that her world and you are safe and secure. Lay your baby on her tummy on a soft blanket. Put one or two colorful toys in front of her or around her in a circle. Allow her to practice movements for very short periods of time at first. One minute of tummy time three times a day is a good goal for a newborn. She will work hard to hold up her head and look around. She may drop her head in exhaustion, bonking her little nose in the process. Pick her up and don't let her get frustrated. Make tummy time just part of play. As weeks pass, you'll pick up on her cues that tummy time can last longer. Never leave your baby by herself while she's on her tummy (to avoid the risk of suffocation). Rub her back, talk to her about what she can see, rattle a toy. You can even lie on your back and have baby lie on your belly, looking at your face. Chances are your baby will keep her head up longer if she sees your face and hears your voice. If she's not a big fan of tummy time, it may help to put a firm pillow or Boppy under her chest, with her arms out in front of her, so she can see what's going on.