Attachment

Build a strong bond with your baby. Attachment begins during pregnancy and grows stronger when a parent or caregiver responds to a baby’s needs with warmth, love and consistency.

 

Benefits of Attachment

A strong attachment helps your baby:

  • develop positive relationships
  • feel confident and good about themselves
  • enjoy being with others
  • share their feelings
  • cope with stress

From birth, babies use sounds, facial expressions, and movements to let you know what they need. These signals are called cues. Pay close attention to how and when your baby uses these cues to communicate with you. When you understand your baby’s cues, it’s important to respond consistently.

 

Examples of Baby Cues What Your Baby May Be Telling You
Crying
  • I need a diaper change
  • I’m hungry
  • I feel too hot or too cold
  • I'm afraid
Fussing
  • I’m hungry
  • I want to be held
  • I’m tired and need sleep
  • Everything feels like too much right now (overstimulated)
Cooing/Babbling/Smiling
  • I’m happy and content
  • I want to play with you
Licking, Sucking
  • I'm hungry
Eyes Wide and Focused on You
  • I like what is going on
  • I am interested in you
  • I want you to talk to me

 

Learn more about attachment by watching Attachment/Relationship (Health Nexus).

Did You Know?

Young children rely on connection to feel safe. When a parent or caregiver is focused on their phone or electronic device, a baby can feel alone.

Watch the “Still Face” experiment below to see how babies react when a parent suddenly stops interacting.

Video: Still Face Experiment, Dr. Edward Tronick

  • Temperament is a term that describes a person’s emotional style.
  • It refers to traits you are born with that influence the way you respond to the world.
    • For example, some children are outgoing and quickly adapt to new situations, while others are more shy and need extra time to feel comfortable.
  • How you respond to your baby’s temperament makes a difference.
  • Understand your baby’s temperament. Be loving, patient, and accepting of their unique traits.

Watch this video on Temperament: Magic of Everyday Moments to learn more.

Remember:

Your temperament may be different from your baby’s. Learning to adapt your responses can help your child feel more secure and better handle different situations.

Separation anxiety is normal after 6 months of age. Your baby may want to explore but may be scared when you leave.

Follow these steps to help your baby feel secure when you leave:

  1. Tell your baby you are leaving. Do not sneak out or say something that isn’t true.
  2. Give your baby something comforting. A favourite toy or blanket can help them safe.
  3. Say who will pick them up. Let your baby know who is coming and when you’ll be back.
  4. Keep good-byes short and calm. Give a quick hug and smile. Try not to give too much attention to normal fussing and crying.
  5. Show love when you return. Greet your baby with hugs and attention when you come back.

Learn about parenting programs available in your community.