Tips and ideas for connecting parents, staff and babies through sound and song
Connecting with baby through sound and song
When you offer your baby sound, you are starting a conversation with them. Give them time to let you know how they feel.
Use the image below as a guide, ask your nurse or use this link to find more ideas online.
Steps to remember
1. Prepare
What has been going on for your baby? Is now a good time for them?
2. Approach and wait
Look at baby what are they telling you? Use your hands and voice to tell baby what is going to happen, try to be beside or face to face baby if possible. Take 5 breaths.
3. Connect
Offer sounds. Use your eyes, hands and sounds to respond to your baby.
4. Adapt
Adjust your sounds to what your baby is telling you. Maybe they want you to slow sounds down, pause or they’re ready for more. Do they need a position that is easier to find you
5. Conclude
Let your baby know you’ve finished, keep your hands still and breathe five times before moving away.
Download free PDF guide on watching and understanding a premature baby
Steps to remember
1. Prepare
What has been going on for your baby? Is now a good time for them?
2. Approach and wait
Look at baby what are they telling you? Use your hands and voice to tell baby what is going to happen, try to be beside or face to face baby if possible. Take 5 breaths.
3. Connect
Offer sounds. Use your eyes, hands and sounds to respond to your baby.
4. Adapt
Adjust your sounds to what your baby is telling you. Maybe they want you to slow sounds down, pause or they’re ready for more. Do they need a position that is easier to find you
5. Conclude
Let your baby know you’ve finished, keep your hands still and breathe five times before moving away.
Download free PDF guide on watching and understanding a premature baby
Adjusting your sounds
You can adapt your sounds to suit your baby. Adjust how you connect depending on how your baby is feeling and the day they are having
