Bonding with your baby
Most parents expect to bond immediately with their baby. It doesn’t happen like that for all parents.
The attachment can grow over a few days, weeks or months. It can happen as you care for your baby and begin to understand their needs.
You can bond with your baby over everyday interactions. Soothe them to sleep, cuddle them at feeding and bathing times, and play with them.
Find out more about bonding and attachment on the Raising Children Network website.
The attachment can grow over a few days, weeks or months. It can happen as you care for your baby and begin to understand their needs.
You can bond with your baby over everyday interactions. Soothe them to sleep, cuddle them at feeding and bathing times, and play with them.
Find out more about bonding and attachment on the Raising Children Network website.
Getting enough sleep
If you have a new baby, it’s very likely that you will be sleep-deprived.
Most newborns sleep in short bursts of 2 to 3 hours throughout the day and night. This can vary from baby to baby.
A lack of sleep can leave you irritable, fatigued and feeling less able to cope with the new demands in your life.
Visit the Raising Children website to learn about sleep routines for:
Most newborns sleep in short bursts of 2 to 3 hours throughout the day and night. This can vary from baby to baby.
A lack of sleep can leave you irritable, fatigued and feeling less able to cope with the new demands in your life.
Visit the Raising Children website to learn about sleep routines for:
It’s not always possible, but it’s worth finding ways to catch up on sleep. You can try:
Loading component...
Feeding
Newborns need to feed at least 6 to 12 times a day.
Feeding your baby over this 24-hour cycle can leave you feeling tired.
If your baby isn’t feeding or putting on weight as you expect, you might also feel worried or stressed. If so, it’s important to seek reassurance and help.
Your maternal and child health nurse or GP can offer advice and support.
For support with breastfeeding, contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Find breastfeeding and bottle-feeding information and support on the Raising Children Network website.
Feeding your baby over this 24-hour cycle can leave you feeling tired.
If your baby isn’t feeding or putting on weight as you expect, you might also feel worried or stressed. If so, it’s important to seek reassurance and help.
Your maternal and child health nurse or GP can offer advice and support.
For support with breastfeeding, contact the Australian Breastfeeding Association.
Find breastfeeding and bottle-feeding information and support on the Raising Children Network website.
