Why Is Comforting Your Baby So Important?

Comforting your baby...

• helps her to develop a sense of trust that her needs will be looked after
• gives him the gift of confidence - tells him that he is worthy of love
• helps her to develop the ability to calm herself
• helps prevent your baby from becoming more demanding, clingy and whiney
• helps baby to feel good about himself and about others
• will help your child to develop relationships with others throughout her life
• will help your child to sense hurt in others and respond in kind, helpful ways

When Is It Most Important To Comfort Your Baby?

Whenever your baby is...

• upset, sad, frightened, lonely
• hurt
• sick

What Works Best When Comforting Your Baby?

Do...

• hold him close to your body
• focus on your baby – look at her eyes and face
• accept and acknowledge his hurt
• be loving, patient and calm

Don't...

• make light of her feelings or tease her
• reject him or his feelings
• be impatient or angry with her
• focus on your own needs

Remember...

• responding to your baby's needs WILL NOT spoil him
• it is important that you respond in comforting ways MOST of the time, recognizing that it is impossible to do things right AT ALL TIMES