As a parent, you want to do all you can to raise your child into a happy and well-rounded person. While baby’s happiness levels are naturally dependent on their personality, there are some simple things you can do that will help make them feel more at peace.
Taking your baby for a walk, rocking them, or offering them sounds that are soothing to them can all help. These calming activities will help your baby build trust and a sense of security.
1. Be Prepared
If you’ve ever been to a baby show, you might have heard people describe babies as being “really happy”. It’s an interesting phrase because it means something different to everyone.
A happy baby doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t cry or have trouble sleeping, but it does mean that they’re not constantly frustrated by challenges in their lives. That’s why it’s important to be prepared to make your baby happy.
In the first few months, your baby’s brain is developing rapidly and they are learning new things all the time. By responding positively to their attempts at new skills, you help them build self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.
When your baby makes sounds, for example, act excited and smile. This can help them develop their language and learn to take turns “talking” back and forth in conversation.
You can also boost your baby’s happiness by encouraging them to be involved in the family’s activities. This can be as simple as playing a game with them or reading them a book.
Babies are curious by nature and love being able to look at new things and explore them. Bringing them toys that interest them can really boost their happiness.
Some of the most exciting things your baby will be able to do in their first year are sitting up, crawling and walking. These skills can sometimes cause some stress or frustration, so it’s a good idea to be patient with them and remember that they’re still learning.
For example, if your baby is trying to roll over in bed, they may wake up a few times because of their new skill and it’s normal for them to get upset at this stage.
But it’s not a long-term problem and you should be sure to offer them a safe way to fall back asleep. If they’re not able to, put them on their back and offer a little shushing noise.
It’s easy to worry about the changes a new baby will bring to your family, especially if you’re going to be a first-time parent. But, it’s important to know that your baby is going to be a resilient, independent child who’s going to adapt to new situations and learn from their mistakes.
2. Be Patient
There’s no denying that patience is the key to making your baby happy. It’s not always easy to be patient, but it’s essential in order to make sure your baby feels loved and cared for.
You’ll want to take the time to calm and soothe your baby when they fuss, whether that means playing one-on-one with them or simply giving them a hug. This will help them to learn self-calming cues and begin the process of learning to soothe themselves.
It’s important to remember that sometimes babies won’t give up on their attempts to soothe themselves, especially when teething or sick, so it’s important to keep trying. You’ll be rewarded when your little one finally decides to stop fussing and lets you know that they’re okay.
A 2012 study by Elizabeth Schnitker found that people who are more patient toward others tend to be happier and feel less depressed, compared with those who are less patient. Her research suggests that being patient doesn’t have to be about waiting, but rather about facing a difficult situation with equanimity.
The word patient is a noun and can be used as an adjective to describe someone who is tolerant or calm. It also can be a verb, meaning to possess patience or remain patient.
When you’re frustrated with a person, it can be helpful to take deep breaths and slow your heart rate down. This will not only help you to relax, but it will also prevent you from lashing out or doing something rash.
You should also try to distract yourself with other things when you’re stuck in a situation that is irritating or frustrating. This can be done by putting on music or listening to a book.
You might also try journaling about your frustrations and feelings. Writing about them can be a great way to get your emotions out and feel better about yourself in the long run. It can also be a good idea to try to avoid foods or beverages that contribute to your impatience, such as coffee and soda.
3. Be Kind
You may have bought a colorful crib mobile or stocked up on baby gym equipment, but what truly makes your little one happy? In fact, a happy baby isn’t as easy to achieve as it might sound.
In the first six months of life, babies go through a series of emotional ups and downs that can be difficult for parents to understand. They will experience hunger, discomfort, gassiness and even loneliness without knowing it.
To make your baby happy, it’s important to be kind. This might mean giving them a hug or kiss to ease their pain or comfort them when they’re upset. It also means responding to their cries with the kind of attention that only an experienced parent can give a newborn.
Be sure to meet their eyes as often as possible to stimulate eye contact and bonding. This is a crucial part of infant development and will help them to grow into a well-rounded young adult.
Finally, play is an excellent way to connect with your baby and help them develop their fine motor skills. You can encourage this by teaching them to stack blocks, bang on pans with a spoon or play in a toy kitchen.
A simple game like tickling your baby’s torso with slowly moving fingers will show them they’re getting attention. Try it with different finger sizes or wait longer to tickle them. The best part of this game is watching your baby’s face light up as you play. Creating a joyous environment can have a long-lasting effect on your baby’s outlook. It’s a win-win for both of you! So start incorporating the above into your daily routine and see what kind of difference it makes.
4. Be Affectionate
A baby’s emotional health depends on his ability to bond with his caregivers and receive love and affection. This kind of affection is known as secure attachment and it helps babies build self-confidence, develop their sense of independence and learn to deal with stress, both at home and in the world.
You can help your baby form secure attachment by responding promptly to their cues for feeding and comfort, being responsive to their cries and making sure they are always safe when you leave them alone. It is also helpful to be physically close to your baby and hold, snuggle, sing and talk to them.
Babies enjoy being physically affectionate with their caretakers, and it is important to show them you are there for them. This can include kissing, hugs, holding, skin-to-skin contact and even massages and caressing.
While being physical affectionate with a baby is beneficial for them, it is important to be aware of what their preferences are and understand that they may not want or like the same things you do. This can make it difficult to show them what you want to give them, so take the time to determine their love language and learn how to show them that through the way you treat them.
If you aren’t able to give your baby the physical affection they need, try a different approach. You can also make a list of healthy ways that you can be affectionate, and commit to doing one of them each week for several months.
Your baby will feel your loving touch and the way you caress their face and hands when you do these things, and they’ll know that you love them for who they are. It’s also a great time to tell them how much you appreciate them.
Being affectionate isn’t easy, but it’s important for your child to feel loved and safe. This will lead to a lifetime of happiness and confidence as they grow. It’s also a good idea for both parents to try to be affectionate, even if it isn’t natural for them.
