5 Simple Ways To Bond With Your Newborn

The day you’ve been waiting for (and maybe losing sleep over) is finally here. Your baby has arrived. Cue the rush of emotions: joy, awe, and let’s be honest, a good dose of “what now?” You’re wondering: Am I doing this right? Am I already breaking parenting rules? Will this tiny decision somehow mess up my baby forever? With advice flying at you from doctors, family, TikTok and that Facebook mom group you shouldn’t have clicked on, it’s no wonder you feel like you need a manual just to get through the first 24 hours.

As a mom and family physician who has guided many families through this life-changing period (and delivered quite a few babies myself!), here are five ways to bond with your newborn I recommend. The key? Bonding doesn’t require fancy gadgets or endless research. It’s all about being present. So, take a deep breath, give yourself some grace, and check out these five easy bonding practices you’re likely already doing—without even realizing it.

Skin-to-skin contact

Skin-to-skin contact is an evidence-based way to connect with your baby in the first, precious moments after their birth. The simple, yet powerful practice helps regulate your newborn’s vitals, including body temperature and blood sugar levels, while offering many benefits for new moms. The College of Family Physicians of Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society, and numerous other health organizations show there is strong evidence that skin-to-skin care enhances parent–infant bonding and has positive effects on parental mental health.

Of course, it’s perfectly normal to feel exhausted after labour and delivery. Luckily, devices like the Joeyband are uniquely designed to make skin-to-skin care more secure, simple and comfortable as you recover. The FDA-registered tool is known for its thoughtful, inclusive design, making it a great addition to baby registries and hospital bags. (Just remember that the Joeyband is not a carrier and should not be used for co-sleeping.)

Singing

Lullabies stand the test of time, across all cultures, for very good reasons. They're easy to remember, invoke warm memories and don't require you to be an award-winning singer like Adele. As a new parent, the beautiful thing about singing to your newborn is that it can be done alongside other bonding activities, such as bath time.

Several studies, including a recent one from Yale University, have shown that singing to your baby boosts brain development, improves their mood and supports language skills. Singing also helps foster healthy emotional connections between you and your little one. And if you're not great with lullabies or can’t carry a note, don't worry. Sing whatever you like and your newborn will reap the benefits.

Bath time

A few hours after delivering my daughter, a nurse offered to bathe her, but I declined. Why? The World Health Organization recommends “delaying the first bath for healthy, full-term babies” for at least 24 hours. This helps prevent hypothermia and other complications, like low blood sugar. Plus, leaving the vernix—the greasy white coating babies are born with—on their skin reduces the risks of infection, dryness and irritation.

Once it is time to start bathing your baby, you will quickly discover that bath time offers several hidden benefits. It’s a great opportunity for the family to connect distraction-free, allowing for lots of eye-to-eye contact and gentle stimulation of your baby’s senses, which is key during those early months. (Just remember, never leave your baby unattended in the water!)

When it comes to choosing a mild cleanser, it’s important to pick a gentle and dermatologist-tested option, free from fragrances and harsh chemicals. (One of many reasons I launched my baby line My Petite Coco.) With a little practice, bath time can become a relaxing ritual that both you and your baby look forward to—a calming routine that strengthens your bond and supports your baby’s development.

Baby massage

Touch is a cornerstone of your baby’s physical and emotional development. It tells newborns that they are safe, loved and cared for, while strengthening bonds with you, their caregiver. Plus, several studies show that gently massaging a baby can improve their sleep, muscle tone and reduce gassiness. It’s a win-win all around!

By gently applying a nourishing moisturizer in a calm environment, you’re not only helping to keep your baby’s skin soft and hydrated but also supporting their nervous system. This soothing ritual is the perfect opportunity for bonding.

I made baby massage a part of my daughter’s daily routine, and I absolutely love that time with her. It’s a wonderful way to learn your baby’s likes and dislikes through nonverbal cues. I quickly realized that my little one loves a spa-like atmosphere and that a nice, extended back massage is a must.

Feeding

No matter how you choose to feed your newborn—whether it’s breast, bottle or a combination of both—the act naturally deepens your emotional connection. Contrary to popular belief, babies are aware of their surroundings. When you feed them, their developing brain is processing a variety of sensory cues like touch, taste and smell. These rich sensory signals help provide your baby with a sense of security and comfort, reinforcing the bond shared in a healthy, meaningful way. You might even catch your baby’s little hand reaching up to your face—this is their adorable way of saying, ‘thank you for feeding me.’

For partners, this time is especially valuable. It encourages skin-to-skin contact, builds confidence in caregiving, and gives mom a well-earned break in the early postpartum days.

Progress, not perfection

Remember that you may not bond with baby right away and that’s okay. For some moms, connecting with a newborn is challenging and takes longer than expected. If you have concerns about postpartum depression or notice detached and distant feelings for your infant, reach out to your doctor or midwife. That could be a sign of something more serious going on, like postpartum depression, which affects about one in every five new moms across the world.

My hope in sharing these five simple rituals is that bonding with your newborn will feel doable and a natural part of your daily routine. As a mom and family physician, I urge you not to overthink it and just enjoy those newborn cuddles.