Healthy Habits for 0-4 Months Old

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Parenting

Building a strong relationship with your baby is important for your baby’s growth and development.

An adult holds a baby close to their bare chest, kissing the top of the baby's head, while the baby sucks on a fist.

Great ways to bond or grow close with your baby

A woman sitting on a couch breastfeeds a baby wrapped in white, gazing down at the baby.
While feeding your baby, hold them close to you
A baby sleeps skin-to-skin on an adult's bare shoulder while the adult smiles softly at the camera.
Practice skin-to-skin
A smiling woman lies on a bed and holds a baby up above her, gazing at each other face to face.
Talk, sing, play and read with your baby!

Calming your crying baby

If your baby is crying, try to calm him before feeding to make sure he is really hungry. There are ways to calm your baby without feeding:

  • Pick him up
  • Gently hold, rock, or walk with him
  • Swing him side to side
  • Swaddle him
  • Let him suck on your finger or a pacifier
  • Talk or sing to him
  • Play calming music
  • Make loud shushing noises
  • Place him skin to skin
An adult holds a crying baby close and kisses the baby's cheek.

Crying does not always mean your baby is hungry, he may just need your attention.

A crying baby in a gray knit cardigan lies on a star-print sheet next to a stuffed toy.
Check to see if he’s hot or cold
A woman with her eyes closed holds a baby upright against her shoulder, one hand resting gently on the baby's back.
Burp him
An adult's hands fasten a diaper on a baby lying on a green towel.
Check his diaper

Share your feelings

It is normal for women to feel both excited and nervous after having a baby.

Motherhood is something new, even for women with older children. You may experience a mix of emotions and it is normal to feel changing moods after you have your baby.

Talking about how you feel can help you cope and strengthen your bond with your baby.

Talk to your family, friends or healthcare providers.

Pregnant women sit together in a circle, smiling and chatting.

Make time to take care of yourself

It is also important that you continue to take time to care for yourself after you have your baby.
An adult sleeps on a bed with one hand resting on a sleeping baby in a bedside bassinet.
Try to sleep when baby is sleeping
A man holds a baby wearing a pink headband close to his chest, gently resting his face on the baby's head.
Ask family and friends to help
A smiling woman knits with coral yarn on a couch, a basket of yarn in her lap and a laptop beside her.
Take breaks to do things you enjoy
A smiling woman eats a bowl of fresh fruit salad with strawberries, pineapple, and grapes.
Eat healthy foods
Two smiling women sit on a couch and play with a baby in a yellow outfit who has both hands on their head.
Stay in touch with friends and family