How Parents Show Infants Trust

Before your baby was born, her every need was met automatically. She didn't have to ask for anything because the body of her mother provided for her. Things have changed, however, now that she is her own person. By bonding with your baby and consistently meeting her needs, you can teach her to trust you. This foundation of trust may help enhance the relationships she will form for the rest of her life.

  1. Meeting Your Baby's Needs

    • In her first few weeks of life, your baby doesn't need much more than food, warmth, rest, a clean diaper and plenty of affection. She will cry -- her only means of communication at this point -- to let you know she is waiting on someone to take care of her. Do your best to quickly and consistently meet these needs. Feed her when she is hungry. Change her when she is wet. Put her down for a nap when she is tired. Each time you meet one of her needs, she will learn to trust you a little more. At the same time, you will be developing a connection with your baby.

    Learning to Recognize Cues

    • When you̵7;re doing your best to teach your baby that you will meet his needs, it can be frustrating to try to determine exactly what it is that he needs from you. But if you watch him and listen carefully, you may learn that he has different ways of asking for different things. The cry he uses to let you know he is hungry may be different from the cry he uses to let you know he is tired. The better you become at deciphering his cues, the better he will become at sending them.

    Giving Your Affection

    • A baby needs affection as much as she needs food and rest. The more affection you show her, the more she will bond with you and put her trust in you. Take the time to talk to her and smile at her. Soothe her when she is upset. Let her know that she is important to you and that you want to spend time with her. As she begins to coo and talk, show her that you will listen. If you respond enthusiastically, you likely will be rewarded with more coos and laughs. As you are learning her cues, she is learning yours.

    Learning to Trust Others

    • Meeting your baby's needs and developing a strong bond with him not only teaches him that he can trust you, but also that he can eventually trust others. Babies who have learned to trust may actually show more independence as they grow. According to HelpGuide.org, a strong bond will help your baby develop more fully and can affect how he interacts with others for the rest of his life. If he doesn't bond successfully, the website says, it can lead to difficulties in his interactions with others later in life.

    Seeking Guidance

    • It's good to remember that sometimes it can be difficult to soothe an upset baby, even if you have met all of her needs. This doesn't mean that you haven't taught her to trust you. If you still feel that you are having trouble connecting with your baby, talk it over with her pediatrician.

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