Comments on: Before Babies Smile

By: Nik T

Nik T — Fri, 05 Mar 2021 12:52:03 +0000

In reply to Ashley. If you read more you'll understand. We are meant to connect during child care activities (feeding, diapers) and then let them play without interruption when they're playing.

By: Kerry

Kerry — Mon, 11 Mar 2019 01:07:27 +0000

In reply to Ashley. 100% agree with this sentiment. How do you do both?

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 16:25:08 +0000

Thank you for this post. We’re struggling with the transition to two littles. Most of the advice I’ve gotten has been to set the baby aside and focus on the toddler. After 8 weeks of doing that, I still get toddler tantrums, and I have tons of guilt from not truly bonding with the baby. I’m grateful to realize that I also need to teach my toddler that the baby is an individual, and that we need to adjust and welcome her into our family and take care of her and not ignore her.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 06:14:15 +0000

My son nursed almost 24/7 for the first couple months of his life and so I usually read, watched tv, or chatted with visitors while he was nursing. I noticed that it was hard to break out of the cycle of being distracted while nursing him, even when his nursing schedule slowed down a bit. I get confused by the advice on this website sometimes, I love the idea of it but it seems like one minute I think I should be letting my child play on his own without interrupting him and connecting for feedings, changing, etc. and then when I read this I feel like if I am distracted doing something and letting him play by himself then he feels neglected. Ah, the never ending mommy guilt.

By: Kiyah

Kiyah — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 16:22:27 +0000

Thanks, as always, Janet…and for providing links to more research!

By: Shelly

Shelly — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 05:32:54 +0000

Thank you for this one Janet. In college I participated in some research that proved that even very young infants have incredible cognitive abilities. I think infant humans might be the smartest creatures on earth.

This is my favorite line…”the way we view our newborn baby affects the way we relate to her.” What a great reminder of the power of our observation and intention.

By: Aunt Annie's Childcare

Aunt Annie's Childcare — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 04:45:45 +0000

You know, it never occurred to me to do anything else than treat my baby as a conscious person. Maybe it was because he came out of the labour ward with his eyes open, obviously looking around with interest. Maybe it was just that I’d been talking to him for most of the pregnancy anyway. But anyway, it stood us in good stead. 26 years later we still have a strong bond.

By: janet

janet — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:31:11 +0000

In reply to MarcieMom. Hi Marcie! Yes, the eczema is a big issue... I have a couple of families in my classes dealing with this. I'm so glad you are providing resources and a support group!

By: MarcieMom

MarcieMom — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:28:55 +0000

I’m glad I stayed at home for my baby’s first 11 months – since then she’s off to infant care and pre-school but I don’t worry about our bond weakening! Love her to bits! Even though her eczema is stressing the whole family, but then, it inpsired me to do a whole host for eczema families, including support group, fund, book, blog +++!