We are humans, hence we are emotional. As long as we’re conscious, we will go through emotions every day of our lives. Some are healthy and some are not. Here are some things to think about when it comes to your baby’s emotional well being.

Our emotions indicate if we’re happy or otherwise. As humans, it’s important that we know this fact: No matter how hopeless a situation many seem, we can still manage our emotions so that they do not overwhelm us and leave us feeling helpless.

Babies are no different! Parents play an important role in their little ones’ emotional development, including how they express and manage their feelings.

Your baby has emotional needs

Do you think you’re sensitive enough towards your baby’s emotional needs? For infants, one-to-one time with their parents are more important than one can imagine. The closeness and bonding helps them build a healthy sense of security as they undergo massive changes in their growth and development during the first few years of their lives. If you cannot be around much for this, then do ensure that your baby’s caregivers are giving due attention to your little bundle to make up for your absence.

Don’t hesitate to soothe your distressed baby

Infants, older babies and even toddlers get distressed whenever they’re hungry, wet, tired, or uncomfortable in any way. It’s essential that they realize that they’re not left to fend for themselves and that these issues will be tended to. This sense of security is very important to babies as they learn to trust the people who care for them. As parents or caregivers, soothing a distressed baby swiftly will facilitate this trust and avoid unnecessary emotional breakdowns.

Consider your child’s individual temperament

Babies have emotions that are partially based on temperament and this may differ from one child to another. Some babies, for example, are more active and some are less active; some are easy to soothe when they’re distressed and others are more difficult to pacity.

This individual temperament is the reason why we notice how some babies don’t mind being passed from one set of arms to another, while others show signs of anxiety and prefer to be safe in mummy or daddy’s arms only. Be sensitive to your baby’s temperament when responding to his or her reactions to ‘uncomfortable’ situations.

Facetime – the real thing

A baby enjoying a face-to-face conversation with his or her parent/caregiver has achieved an important developmental milestone. This one-on-one time together helps promote a healthy emotional growth. Whenever your baby is cooing and ‘chatting’ with you, make an effort to entertain the little one by smiling back and responding in a gentle, soothing voice. Don’t be surprised if baby will seem to understand and in turn, tries to engage you in conversation and cute, adorable chuckles!

There’s a limit to everything

It is very possible for babies to feel overwhelmed due to overstimulation. For some young babies, even eye contact can be too much for them, especially when they’re tired. So, watch for signs that your baby has had too much stimulation and needs a break. A common signal is when you’re playing with your baby, and he or she looks away. It’s a sign to back away a little and give baby some room to rest.

Attentive and sensitive caregivers

When looking for a babysitter or daycare provider, opt for someone who has the time and desire to be attentive to your baby’s needs and who will engage in some one-on-one time with your precious little one.

However, the thing about a kind and loving caregiver is that many parents worry that their offspring might get more ‘attached’ and may in time even prefer being with the sitter/caregiver than with them. We feel that if that happens, the only thing it should indicate is that the child is in good, loving hands while you’re away at work. Or would you rather your little one be treated coldly and be miserable all day, just waiting for you to come home?

Remember, your baby has emotional needs, and if you can’t be there to offer these needs all day long, be thankful someone else can and is willing to!