Bonding

Forming a secure and loving bond with your baby is one of the most important parts of parenting and is a key element in forming your child’s emotional well-being.

Attachment relationships - the special, unique relationships formed between babies and their parents or other main caregivers - can have a profound effect on your child’s emotional development all the way from birth through to adulthood (Cozolino, 2014; Davidson, 2000; Gunnar, 2003; Karen, 1994; Perry et al., 1995; Schore, 2001a; Siegel, 1999; Sroufe et al., 2005).

At the earliest stages, the relationship will help your baby to understand the world and their place in it. You’ll provide a foundation of comfort and protection. In turn, this will influence the way they grow and develop, play and communicate, learn and connect. Over the years, it can shape their capacity to trust, develop empathy, show compassion and understand morality.