Adding just a few daily habits to your baby’s routine can help you raise a happy baby. To that end, we’ve compiled a list of simple ways you can boost your child’s emotional wellbeing. You’ll be amazed at just how easy it is to encourage a positive outlook in your growing little one.
- Make Diaper Changes Fun
Babies hate to lie still, especially as they get a little older. However, if you make diaper changes more fun, your little one will be more inclined to cooperate.
As you’re removing the soiled diaper and wiping the baby clean, try singing songs they’ll be able to babble along to as they grow older. As you’re applying the Sudocrem nappy rash cream, use the time to teach things like counting and the alphabet. Diaper time doesn’t have to be a struggle for either of you if you make it fun early on.
- Make Eye Contact
Babies use eye contact to learn and form emotional bonds. Meeting your little one’s gaze as often as possible lets them know how safe and loved they are. This is especially important when you’re teaching your baby new things. Be sure to establish eye contact as it forms a strong connection between the two of you and helps the little one feel more confident.
- Feed Your Baby on Demand
If you’re breastfeeding, feeding your baby on demand will help them feel more secure and comfortable. Feeding on demand simply means you look for physical clues your baby is hungry and then feed at that time. As tempting as it is to try to get your baby on a feeding schedule, letting nature take its course is much more likely to produce a happier baby, which in turn, means a happier momma.
- Talk to Your Baby
It may seem silly to talk to someone that can’t talk back, but you’d be surprised at just how well your baby listens. Giving your baby a running commentary as you cook supper or telling them about colors as you fold the laundry is a great way to entertain your little one and further their language development. This simple daily routine not only makes for a happier baby, but it’s also a vital part of a child’s brain development.
- Make Sleep a Priority
Sleep is necessary for proper brain development and body rejuvenation. In the beginning, babies sleep more often than not, but as they grow, they sleep less. Even so, sleep is still important and should be a priority.
Start by making a bedtime routine with calming activities such as a warm bath, reading a book, or snuggling in a rocker. Be sure these activities take place around the same time every night.
Don’t forget about naps either. Life gets busy, so if your baby falls asleep in the car seat on the way to your older child’s soccer practice, that’s okay. Just be aware that if possible, napping in a crib will likely result in better sleep and make for a more cheerful baby.
Babies are born with a desire to be close to their parents. By adding just a few simple habits to your baby’s routine, you can create a strong bond with your child and ensure they grow up happy and healthy from the moment you choose the baby’s name. From making diaper changes fun to making sleep a priority, you can raise a happy baby, which in turn, makes for happy parents.
Image Credits: Kelly Sikkema
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