Basic trust – giving your baby a feeling of protection and security from the very beginning creates the most important prerequisite for their development into a strong personality. If a baby feels completely comfortable and secure in the first months of life, this also has a positive effect on their later self-confidence. Developmental psychologists have observed, for example, that children who were able to develop strong basic trust as babies integrate more quickly and form friendships.
But how do parents manage to give their child this basic trust from the very beginning? It sounds like a lot of responsibility at first. But don't worry, because it's actually not that much, and everyone can create this important foundation for a happy life for their baby. We've created a short guide to help new parents give their baby a strong start in life.
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT FEELING!
Respond to your baby's needs! Don't worry: Contrary to the common belief that you might spoil your baby if you respond to every cry, we can assure you that this isn't the case. In the first few weeks of life, you can't really spoil your child too much. They aren't yet capable of consciously using their crying to get attention. They cry out of fear or a need like hunger or a tummy ache – and you should always respond to these. Later on, little ones know exactly how to wrap us around their little finger.
GIVE YOUR BABY TOUCH AT ALL TIMES!
You don't have to hold your baby for long periods of time; even small gestures are enough, like holding your hand as they fall asleep, stroking their cheek, or placing your hand on their chest. Our tip: Take your baby for a baby massage; you'll experience some particularly intimate moments there. And after the birth, insist that the baby be placed on your bare chest so you can build a close bond with them—right from the start. Dad should also have skin-to-skin contact with the newborn shortly after birth.
DON'T LEAVE YOUR BABY ALONE!
Especially when your baby can't fall asleep and is crying, they need mom or dad to comfort them. Only in this way can you give your baby the security they felt in their mother's womb. If you let your baby cry, they won't be able to build trust in the world outside of their womb.
RESPOND TO YOUR BABY'S FACIAL EXPRESSIONS!
If it smiles at you, smile back; if it is sad or crying, comfort it.
TELL YOUR BABY HOW YOU LOVE THEM!
Sure, holding your baby in your arms and responding to their needs shows them how much you love them. But it's best to express it with words: "I love you, my darling, I'm here for you, I'll protect you." Your baby understands you from a very early age and learns how to express feelings through words.
INTRODUCE RITUALS INTO YOUR DAILY LIFE!
Read your baby bedtime stories early on, sing a lullaby, or apply cream every night before bedtime (for example, with Bübchen Care Cream ). Familiar, recurring activities give your baby a sense of security.
If you follow this little guide, you will help your baby to start life strong – and you will quickly notice that this also creates a very positive parent-child relationship.
