At a glance
Pip? Jelly Bean? Peanut? Giving your unborn baby a nickname can help create the ‘aaah’ factor.
Whether it’s Vivaldi or Take That, your baby will be receptive to your music tastes as early as week 23.
Make it a family affair. Introduce bump to granny, aunty and cousins with a pat and a rub.
Your baby is sensitive to how you feel – the happier you are, the happier baby is.
Baby bonding tips
Yes, you’re actually having a baby. It’s utterly life changing and can seem surreal at times. So, here’s a few ways you can try baby bonding with your unborn child.
Go on a date
You may be physically attached to baby all day long, but consciously spending time together creates an emotional bond. Take her for a walk in the park, enjoy a healthy lunch together, or have a chat - from week 23 she can hear you.
Sing baby, sing
You may not be a karaoke queen but while others are diving for the earplugs, your baby is thinking your voice is the best in the world. Serenade her with the cheesiest love songs you can think of. She’ll enjoy the ‘power of love’ even if those around you don’t.
Have a bath
Seeing as baby is hanging out in water feeling all warm and relaxed, why not join her? Light some candles, play relaxing music, close your eyes and let the love wash over you.
Write to baby
Pregnancy journals are a great way to record those special memories. The moment you found out you were pregnant, the first kick, the first time you saw a scan - imagine sharing with your child in years to come.
Massage your bump
Your baby will pick up on how you feel almost from the start. Their ears, eyes and tongue will be forming so they’ll be receptive to touch and sound. Gently stroke and rub your tum whenever you want to feel a connection, anytime after 12 weeks is safe, you might even get a ‘hello’ kick in response.
Do nothing
Making a baby is a big, big deal. And with so much changing so quickly, it can help to just sit still and be in the moment. Breathe in. Breathe out. As you do, visualise each part of your body. It can heighten your awareness of the amazing changes going on inside.
Swimming
That weightless feeling of being in water can help you get in touch with your body and your baby. You can swim as early on in pregnancy as you want. Later, it can give those poor swollen feet some welcome relief too.
Yoga
Pregnancy yoga is a big thing. Simple stretching and basic poses are safe to do - but only after week 14. You may also learn relaxing breathing techniques, which will help you pay attention to your body and connect with baby.
Introduce the family
Whether it’s your partner, granny, or aunty, bonding can be a family affair. Let them talk to your bump. Maybe give them a copy of the first scan. Or go shopping for booties - it’s never too early to spoil baby.
Dad and baby bonding
Mums develop a bond without even thinking about it. But partners often don’t have that physical closeness, so here are some ways for partners to try parent and child bonding activities.
- Ask mum when the baby moves and gently try to feel the baby for yourself
- Talk to the baby – you may feel awkward at first but just go for it!
- Go with mum to all antenatal classes. These are a great place to share any concerns, but more importantly, to start feeling like a parent
- Go shopping together to pick out baby things – it’ll help you both to get excited about the arrival
