Many families are concerned about bonding and attachment with their baby after adoption. If you are concerned, you are not alone. However, research and observation show that adoptive families can form bonds as successfully as biological families. The first three years of a baby's life are the most favorable time for children to form a bond with their families. However, adoptive parents have no need for undue concern as we also know developing a bond with an adopted child is not unlike the process of building one with a biological child, it develops over time.

One of the very first issues a new adoptive family faces is how well it will come together to become a loving family. It is vital that all family members bond with each other and recognize one another as valuable members of their family. Together they should work to develop caring, committed relationships.

It is best not to force the bond with your baby, especially for adoptive parents concerned about the bonding process. Rather, take your time and do your best to adopt a positive and patient understanding that bonding will occur over time. Introducing dependable care and regular routines will help your child to feel more comfortable, recognize what to expect, and what is expected of him as well.

For many adopted infants, bonding tends to occur rather quickly, as they generally accept and attach to new parents. Parents also tend to quickly bond with their new child through the process of providing the regular care he or she needs, through playing and communicating together with their child, and by showing attention and affection.

After adoption, bonding is a parent initiated learning experience. No matter the child's age, parents who are proactive in developing a bond with their child create an ongoing respectful and positive relationship. Adoptive parents may wish to use a wide variety of techniques to facilitate the bonding experience. Responding to the child's needs in a compassionate, loving and sensitive way encourages trust and recognition that the child is worthy of unconditional love. Responding to the child's needs in a loving way leads to an increased sense of trust, security and a reduction in anxiety.

For some families infant massage can play an important role in encouraging their bond. Maintaining eye contact and loving touch promote a sense of being cared for and accepted. Through the use of infant massage parents learn to become more attuned to their baby's unique and individual forms of communication. It can help parents to understand their baby's cues and respond appropriately. And of course having skin to skin contact through the use of loving touch, can help the family's bond to strengthen and grow!

Copyright (c) 2007 Liddle Kidz? Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage