The Power of Touch

Building a Lasting Bond with Your Baby

An infant's craving for human touch is as natural as a parent's desire to care for their little one's needs. During the first few months of your baby's life, the bond you build establishes a trust that sets the stage for a lasting and loving connection between you and baby.

Building a Bond

There's nothing more satisfying than feeling the bond that's created as baby begins to recognize and distinguish mom's and dad's faces, voices and even scents. In fact, a recent study conducted at Columbia University determined that 83 percent of babies who were carried in soft carriers during their first few months of life were securely attached to their parents a year later. Evenflo's BabyGo® soft carriers are made to give more parents opportunities to be close and build this bond that is so important to baby's development, security and confidence.

Getting to Know Your Baby

Anyone who has walked the hallways at 3:00 a.m. with a colicky baby can attest to the fact that certain positions, or holds, seem to soothe baby more than others. Keeping your baby close and in a comfortable position helps you to understand your infant's language, recognizing the cues and signals of what your baby is telling you and be able to respond immediately. Learning about baby helps to eliminate some of the stress and frustration as you're getting acquainted with each other. Researchers also believe babies who are carried in soft carriers cry less because they are more aware of their environment and free to see what is going on around them.

Tips for Soothing Touches Each Day

Pay attention to what your baby likes - some babies prefer a more firm, reassuring touch while others prefer a softer, gentle hand.
While your baby is playing, remind him of your presence by simply rubbing his back.
Try baby massage as a technique that combines the physical benefits of human touch, such as alleviating pain and stimulating blood circulation, with the emotional benefits of bonding with baby.
Every time you change your baby's diaper or give a bath, use this time to give a gentle touch her arms, legs, face and stomach.

Cuddle for a Brainier Baby

Did you know that cuddling with your little bundle of joy can make for a brainier baby? It's true; research shows us that touch actually aids an infant's cognitive development. Babies who are not touched often have brains 20 percent smaller than babies who are touched more frequently.1 Wearing a Snugli® keeps you both connected for a bright future for you and your little one.

Touch on the Go

Do double-duty. Build a bond with baby while you're on the go, running errands or around the house. The BabyGo carriers are ideal for either parent to wear, as it's adjustable, hands-free and designed to be worn with baby face-in or face-out, all while being held in a secure and comfortable position. Dads are fans of the BabyGo® because it makes it simple to build a bond with baby whether taking a walk, lending a hand or watching the game.

For more ideas about bonding with baby and BabyGo infant carriers, visit Evenflo.com.

¹ "Infants & Toddlers: The Power of Touch," Alice Sterling Honig, PhD

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