Building Connection for Your 0-Year-Old

Building Connection

Now is the Right Time!

Your child’s early years are a time of incredible growth, and one of the most important foundations you can build is connection. By creating small, consistent moments of bonding, you’re strengthening your child’s sense of security and trust — key ingredients for healthy attachment and emotional well-being.

Connection is built through everyday interactions — from feeding and diaper changes to playtime and soothing moments. These small yet powerful moments help your child feel loved, safe, and cared for.

Five Steps for Building Connection with Your Child

Step 1: Get Your Child Engaged by Getting Their Input

Even though your child can’t yet speak, they are constantly communicating through facial expressions, body language, and sounds. By tuning in to their cues, you’re laying the groundwork for lifelong communication skills.

Notice their signals. Infants and very young children might show you what they need through eye contact, sounds, and movement. Pay attention to when they seem calm, excited, or overwhelmed.

Ask simple questions. Even though they can’t answer yet, your voice and tone help your child feel included and connected. Try asking:

●      “Are you ready to play?”

●      “Do you want to see what’s outside?”

●      “Are you feeling sleepy?”

With your toddler, this might look like following what they are pointing at or what seems interesting to them. For example, when your toddler points and says ‘dat,’ you can respond, ‘Oh, you see the doggie! Yes, it’s a big doggie!’

Pause and wait. After you ask a question or speak, pause and give your child time to respond with a coo, smile, or movement. This teaches your child the rhythm of conversation.

Tip: When your child makes sounds, respond as if they’re speaking to you. This back-and-forth exchange builds early communication skills.

Step 2: Teach Connection Through Simple, Everyday Moments

Children learn connection through repetition, routine, and warmth. Every interaction, feeding, diaper changes, or playtime, is an opportunity to strengthen your bond.

Create predictable routines. Children thrive on predictability. Try using the same words and gestures during key routines. For example:

●      During diaper changes, say, “I’m here, you’re safe, let’s get you cozy again.”

●      Before naps, sing a familiar lullaby or whisper soothing words.

Use touch as a teaching tool. Gentle touch like cuddling, rocking, or softly stroking their back, helps your child feel secure.

Name their feelings. Even at this early age, saying things like:

●      “You’re feeling fussy right now. I’m here.”

●      “I see you’re excited — look at that big smile!”

... helps your baby begin connecting emotions with words.

Mirror their emotions. When your baby smiles, smile back. If they’re upset, offer a calm expression and soothing words like “I know, sweetie. I’m right here.” This helps your child feel seen and understood.

Tip: Children are learning that their feelings are valid and that caregivers are there to help them feel safe and calm.

Step 3: Practice to Grow Skills and Develop Connection Habits

Practicing moments of connection doesn’t require extra time — it’s about making small, intentional moments part of your daily routine.

Practice “serve and return.” When your child “serves” you a signal — a smile, coo, or reaching hand — “return”