Expert advice with HUGGIES® Wipes baby bonding expert

Bonding with your baby is something that for many, comes naturally. I found Taylor and I had a great bond from the start. I’ve always thought this was partly because he breastfed and spent all his time with me. This meant it took Phill longer to have the same level of closeness to him but that didn’t stop them.  He was always better at burping him too so he still got involved at feeding time. There are many things you can do to bond with your baby. From skin-to-skin, sharing feeds and baby massage. We found bonding with our new born to be simple but not without it’s challenges. Keeping that bond once they become cheeky, inquisitive toddlers is another story!

As Huggies Wipes Ambassadors we’ve been working with HUGGIES® Wipes baby bonding expert, Gayle Berry. Gayle has been sharing her expert tips on how we can maintain our bond, tackle tantrums, and help our toddler relax in a natural way.

We asked Gayle the following –

What can I do to calm and relax my 18 month old at change time? 

– Taylor is happy to bring his mat and wipes to you when he needs changing. Then will run away and isn’t happy once changing begins. –

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Toddlers love playing games so this is his way of engaging you in play even if that is not your intention! it is  important to talk to him and explain what you are doing so he knows what is coming up and what you are expecting him to do. Getting into a little routine to nappy change is important so associating nappy changing with a little rhyme song or story that he enjoys. This creates a positive association with nappy changing rather than a battle of wills. When children become aware of their own identity they often want to apply their will to influence situations and to assert control. let any expectations of behaviour fall and create a fun environment for nappy changing instead. Foot massage at nappy changing can also help create a little ritual which he will enjoy.

How can we avoid tantrums with toddlers?

– We usually experience tantrums  at being placed in the high-chair for meals, around bed time or if he is told ‘no’ –

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So tantrums are a normal stage of development for children as they become aware of their own identity and sense of self. They seem hard to deal with as adults as we are experiencing a battle of wills with our children. This can be hard to deal with. in most of our adult relationships we can use reason and patience to communicate and listen. toddlers are a different matter! Its very important to be calm and talk in a positive way to your toddler. repetition of the key message is very important. Getting stressed or shouting creates anger, conflict and negatively which teachers your child that adults communicate in that way. repetition of the behaviour you want to see is vital to convey the lesson you are trying to teach. If your child is having a tantrum make sure they are in a safe place where they cannot hurt themselves. Offer some form of positive touch contact so they know you are there and if possible cuddle or hold them without judgment or saying anything until they calm down. Lots of patience is required.

Are their any alternatives to this to relax before bed?

– As a newborn taylor loved baby massage, we would take a moment to wind down and relax before bed time and it was great. Now he’s an active toddler he isn’t interested in staying still or having massage time. –
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Yes you can combine massage with stories, songs, rhymes. You can show him how tomassage his teddy or doll. use bath time as a chance to do some massage. A little bit of foot massage as you are reading a story gets all the feel good hormones flowing. who would not want a daily foot massage? Again you need to always ask permission to massage and make sure the timing is right. Timing and managing expectations is key with children. If he does not want a massage, respect that and try another time.

Breastfeeding has always been a great bonding moment for us, how else can we bond once this journey comes to an end, also how can dad’s bond with their baby?

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Bonding  and investing in your relationship with your child is so important. The most important thing you can give your child is time, love and attention. Bonding happens when you make eye contact, have physical touch, talk to your child and he is close to you. These things help to produce happy hormones and oxytocin, the love hormone which chemically attracts you to your child. Studies have shown that couples and families with regular physical touch are closer and this is largely due to the regularly production of oxytocin and a sense of belonging. Massage offers the perfect way to bond with your child at any time. it can be done over clothes at any time in the day and help create a moment of connection. Anyone can do it; mums and dads and carers.

What can I do to maintain our bond when I’m at work a lot? 

– After spending a year on maternity leave with Taylor I feel we have a strong bond. I have since returned to work. –

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Lots of physical contact, hugs, cuddles, eye contact, talking and most of all creating a special time everyday for just the two of you where you can reconnect and tell each other about your day. Make sure you look after yourself too. keep your vibes happy and positive. Leave work stress at the door and celebrate your beautiful relationship everyday.

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We’ve been taking Gayles tips on board and started by making change time more fun, Taylor loves to go and collect his Huggies wipes and nappy at change time which is a job for him – With an added touch of nature, HUGGIES® Pure Wipes help to ensure that baby change-time is a special moment to bond with baby while effectively soothing and cleaning away any messes Huggies natural wipes are made with natural fibres, contain no nasties such as alcohol, phenoxyethanol or parabens and are gentle as cotton wool and water.  – His new job is taking them out of the packet and holding onto one whilst he is changed and I tickle his toes to make him laugh, we also play with puppets, this avoids a tantrum and see’s change time filled with smiles. It seems to be working out so far, next we’ll be taking on those tea time tantrums.

–        To find more tips and advice from the HUGGIES® Wipes experts visit www.huggieswipes.co.uk

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