Babies’ Needs

The process of getting to know your baby involves getting to know her needs.
Every baby is different, so some needs will vary, but others such as love are universal.

 

Intimate closeness:

Babies thrive on intimate closeness such as gazing into the eyes of others, skin to skin contact, soothing singing, humming and whispering.

Music:

Babies love music of any form. They like at times to be patted to a rhythm or beat.

Breastfeeding:

Babies love to breastfeed, it fills them with satisfaction, giving them food, love, close contact, nice smells, the warm soft voices of their mummy and daddy. Whilst breastfeeding, a baby’s face is at a perfect distance for him to focus on his mother’s eyes.

Getting to know who’s who:

Personal characteristics of individual family members are soon recognised by babies. Daddy’s deep voice, sister’s sweet breath, Granny’s bright eyes… It is good for babies to spend time getting to know the important people their life.

Bonding and attachments:

As the weeks go by, baby has repeated experiences of being cared for in a particular way. Your baby will learn patterns of relating to people according to how they are cared for from a very early age. These developing attachments involve deep emotions. A different pattern will develop with every
person who has close contact. Fathers, mothers, grandparents etc.

When care is given consistently and reliably during those first early months, and sensitivity is shown for the baby’s developing needs, the baby will develop a sense of security in her relationships. This is why in an unfamiliar environment she will feel safe in the presence of those people.

Secure attachments can be developed with any care giving person (mother, father, grandparents, child care providers). The nature of the attachment will depend on the quality of the interactions that takes
place with the baby.

As the baby gets older, the child who has felt secure with those who care for him will develop a sense of self confidence and assurance and will have more resilience to deal with difficulties. The signs of secure attachment will be noticed when your baby reaches 6-9 months. The baby may become upset when the special adult leaves the room, but will calm and greet the adult when they return.

The early months of a baby’s life are when these foundations are laid down. Repeated acts of loving care make babies feel secure and loved so they can grow into secure, communicative, loving people.