Nurturing Your Child

Trust builds when you respond to your baby with repeated, loving actions. This makes her feel special. The way she responds to you tells you how special you are to her. This is a “getting to know each other” time for both of you.

Here are some things you can do to build trust:

• Comfort your baby when she cries. You may have to try a number of ways to comfort her. Swaddle your newborn in a soft blanket, gently rock her in a rocking chair, talk in a calm and soft voice, dim the lights and noise, or offer a pacifier. She is learning that she can count on you to help when she is upset.
  (BELL, S.M. & AINSWORTH, M.D.S.,1972)
• Feed her when she is hungry. For now, her menu is breast milk or formula. (Your baby’s doctor will tell you when she can have cow’s milk and water—and when and how to introduce other foods to her.)
• Have as much face-to-face time as you can. Hold her, sing to her, talk to her, play with her and smile. It’s you that she wants to see and play with, not the TV. When you pay attention to her, it helps her focus and feel settled inside.
• Leave her with someone you trust, who will care for her in the same ways you do. Going out with friends? Back to school or work? Let whoever is caring for your baby know about her daily routine and how you want her cared for. No one knows your baby like you do. You can use the information and your notes in this Guide to share information.
• Keep her needs in mind during everyday activities of family life. How do your baby’s needs and routine “fit in” with family routines? How does family life have to change to meet her needs? These are questions to keep asking yourself, as the answers are likely to change as she grows and changes.

Useful Resources:

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