Bonding with your baby begins in pregnancy.
Your voice
From around 18 weeks, your baby can already hear sounds.
Talk to them - they'll know your voice. Encourage your partner to talk too. Your baby may settle down or move when they hear certain voices.
Very loud noises can distress your baby. Think about how your baby may be feeling. Talk to them in a soothing voice if you think they're upset.
Songs and music
Singing songs or playing calm music can soothe your baby.
Movement
Feeling your baby move for the first time can be very special. You will probably become aware of your baby's movements between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy.
You may feel a fluttering in your tummy or a rolling sensation that feels like wind moving. Most babies settle into a pattern by 24 weeks.
If your baby stops moving or moves less often
Your baby's movements are important because:
- feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well
- when your baby's movements reduce or stop, it can sometimes be the first sign that your baby is unwell
How often should your baby move?
There's no set number of movements you should feel each day – every baby is different. You do not need to count the number of kicks or movements you feel each day.
The important thing is to get to know your baby's usual pattern of movements from day to day.
From 16 weeks to 24 weeks on, you should feel your baby move more and more up to 32 weeks. From week 32 onwards, the movements stay roughly the same until you give birth.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP or midwife if you:
- do not feel your baby moving
- are feeling less movement than usual
Even if this happens many times, get checked each time.
Touch
Touching and stroking your bump helps you to bond. Notice how your baby responds to your touch. You may also feel your baby kicking.
Listen to their heartbeat
Hearing your baby's heartbeat for the first time can be a powerful moment. You'll get to hear this during the ultrasound scans at your antenatal appointments. Partners should also try and attend.
How partners can bond with the baby
It might take partners a little longer to bond with their baby during pregnancy. This is normal and nothing to worry about.
You can become closer to your baby by feeling for kicks. Tell your partner when your baby is moving. If they can feel the baby kick, it may make the baby more real for them. This can help them bond with their baby.
Talk and sing to the baby while they are in the womb. The baby can recognise your voice. They'll sometimes react to hearing it.
How older children can bond with the baby
A new baby is a big change for your other children.
You can help them to bond with the baby by:
- reading stories about pregnancy and babies
- letting them touch the bump when the baby moves
- encouraging them to talk and sing to the baby