Bonding with your baby should be a natural process. But this is all that it is sometimes, a 'should be'. Attachment does not always come naturally between parent and child. Some parents do have to exert conscious efforts to bond with their children. And exert extra efforts you must. It is during a person's infancy that the development of attachment is most important.

It is important to note that what you do today holds important implications on the person that your baby is to become. As research would have it, babies who develop strong attachments with their parents grow up to become secure and well-adjusted individuals. They are also found to perform better both in school and in the 'real world'. They are less likely to get involved in criminal activities too.

The following are tips to help you bond with your little angel:

Make sure that your baby is breastfed.

Don't fall prey to large milk companies' campaign that is discreetly telling you that it's okay if you don't breastfeed your baby, that their products would suffice. There is nothing that compares to the benefits your milk has to offer. It has essential nutrients that are yet to be found in commercial milk products. And breastfed babies have been proven to be healthier than those who are bottle-fed.

Another important benefit of breastfeeding is that it makes way for regular close contact between the mother and the child. This translates to more bonding moments and stronger attachment.

Not all mothers have what it takes to provide milk, though. Health problems sometimes get in the way. Do try to ask for assistance from health practitioners if you find yourself in the same position.

Communicate with your baby via 'touch'.

Your baby's first mode of communication is through touch. So do make it a point to touch your baby as much as you can. Cradle your little angel in your arms. Hold her close. And don't make you being busy at work an excuse. You should always include your bonding moments in your schedule. If possible at all, you can carry your baby in a sling while working. The key is to take the extra effort.

You can also get more structured with your 'touch' bonding by switching to 'massage' mode. Massaging your baby is a great way to promote mental and physical growth. And it facilitates parent-baby bonding too.

Talk and sing to your baby.

It does not matter whether your baby understand you or not. Do talk to her. It's the fact that you are showing her that you are always somewhere near and that you have your attention focused on her that matters (even if you are actually in between chores). And do sing to her. Even if you think you are off-key, it will not matter to your baby. The nursery rhyme itself is already soothing enough and is actually believed to facilitate language development.

Make use of those baby gifts and do play with your baby.

It's time to put those baby gifts to good use. Baby gifts are not there for decorations or whatever. And baby gifts are not there for your little angel's sole use either. Baby gifts also offer an opportunity for you to bond with your baby.

Nurture, touch, communicate and play with you baby for a brighter future ahead!