"Spanish Lullaby" for developing 
baby's feelings of security. 

Based on a beautiful blend of old English
and Spanish lullabies, a loving mom sings
to her baby until they fall asleep
together, then wake in each other's arms.

Illustrated by: Kitty Harvill

"Baby's Busy Day" for developing 
baby's interest in faces, shapes 
and patterns.

A parent recalls a busy day with
baby - from breakfast to daycare
to shopping and bath time - before
baby is tucked into bed.

Illustrated by: Catherine Pillinger

"Play with Me" for developing 
baby's motor and social skills.

A father teaches baby fun finger
games until baby "teaches" daddy
a new trick.

Illustrated by: Bill Colrus

"Joyful Noises" for developing 
baby's early language skills by 
listening and repeating the sounds 
baby makes.

Mom takes baby to the park where they
meet and 'talk' to new friends.

Illustrated by: Bill Colrus

Bonding with Baby was designed to heighten sharing and interactivity between parent and baby.

Parents who use Bonding with Baby books spend significantly more time more often sharing books with their babies compared to parents without them.

Bonding with Baby significantly increases the pleasure that both parents and baby derive from sharing books.

When you book-share with baby you have an optimal way to foster a stronger parent-baby bond and "parentese"- the early give-and-take communication essential for baby's complete development.

More than simply reading, "book-sharing" ensures the development of baby's ability to focus and communicate, to be imaginative, socially well-adjusted and confident.

Although "book-sharing" uses books, and it looks like and will lead to reading, it is so much more. Book Sharing was developed by early childhood educators and development experts for baby's early years where you are using a book as a device to nurture your baby's full development while strengthening your parent-baby bond.

The approach is easy and often times very relaxing for both you and baby. Bonding with Baby's specially designed books and "book-sharing" guide makes it easy for you to begin "book-sharing" with your baby.

How to "book-share"

By "book-sharing" you bring the story to life for baby. Encourage baby to point to the pictures, ask baby questions and listen and watch for a response. By relating the pictures to things and experiences in your baby’s life, you make it more interesting and rewarding. Soon books will become one of baby’s favorite toys and sharing them a favorite activity.

5 Easy Steps to Successful "Book-Sharing"
	1. Don’t start unless you’re both in the right mood. Baby should be in a quiet, receptive state and you should be ready to focus only on sharing. If you’re tired or preoccupied, save it for later.
	2. Engage baby in the book. Call out baby’s name and point out or tap on the pictures. Use an expressive and varied voice when you talk about the characters. Touch, cuddle and kiss baby the whole time.
	3. Share the book with baby. Encourage baby to participate and point. Ask baby questions. Watch and listen and go with what interests him/her.
	4. Respond to and praise baby. When baby makes cooing noises, she’s trying to communicate with you. Respond back with a similar noise and add to the conversation. Show pleasure and pride with baby’s small but important accomplishments.
	5. Share a book every day. Just a few fun minutes each day -- that’s all it takes. Remember: Make sure book-sharing is always FUN. If you make it boring, baby will be bored. If baby wants to play with the book -- let him. If he or she loses interest, quit for now.

Benefits for baby

"Book-sharing" has been proven to promote baby's feelings of security and trust which leads to greater self-confidence. It is a fun and extremely enjoyable way of building baby's social skills.
As a result of "book-sharing" baby acquires the early language skills needed to be able to talk and read. "Book-sharing" also prepares baby for school by enhancing listening skills, concentration and cooperation.

Benefits for Parents

"Book-sharing" is a way for you to relax after a busy day and relate at baby's level. Parents who "book-share" say it promotes awareness and sensitivity to baby’s needs and interests and makes parenting easier by giving them a device for soothing a cranky or sick baby. As soon as you begin "book-sharing" with your baby you will experience feelings of pride and satisfaction knowing you are giving your best to your baby

The strong attachment you form early on provides baby with the feelings of security and trust they need to grow up confident and well adjusted around other people.

Bonding is a Process

You should realize that bonding is a process. Bonds are built one step at a time. The holding, touching, talking and playing that you do while caring for baby builds into a strong relationship.

You can begin bonding with baby by being relaxed and letting it happen. Having a baby can be stressful and surveys show that 40% of mothers don't feel a strong emotional tie until the end of the first week or later. Using Bonding with Baby board books along with your "book-sharing" guide gives you a way to relax and interact with baby.

Being close to baby

The more time you spend being close to baby the better. Breastfeed if possible. Although bottle-fed babies can certainly bond, breastfeeding provides ideal face-to-face and skin-to-skin contact. Whatever method you chose, holding, gentle stroking and talking to baby during feeding will bring you emotionally closer.

Consider a sling-type baby carrier. Babies need to feel secure both physically and emotionally. Many parents find that carrying baby around and outside the home is very comforting for baby.

Frequently take time to just enjoy your baby. Caring for an infant is very demanding, so both you and baby need time to just play together.
Some of the best bonding happens when you're relaxed and having fun. That is why the time to share the right books with baby is so beneficial. Bonding with Baby books were specially designed to help you relax and go into baby's world.

"Book-sharing" helps you bond

"Book-sharing" is one of the best, research-proven techniques for stimulating joyful interaction. More than just reading, you actively share the pictures with baby. It draws you into baby's world, connecting you on an emotional level and will become a favorite bonding activity.

The best books have colorful pictures with no words. Look for stories featuring parents and babies enjoying each other so you both can relate to your favorite times together. Bonding with Baby books are the ideal choice for "book-sharing" with baby.

"I had a c-section, so my husband bonded with the baby more than I did for the first week. I felt terrible and didn't think that anything would help with the siutation. I was apprehensive at first and felt a little silly reading to my son. In 3 weeks, it felt natural and I was looking forward to our sessions together. It really is a wonderful feeling. I really appreciate these books! I look forward to using the rest of the series."

"I had totally forgotten about these books, that were given to me by my sister-in-law. When I did decide to use them , my son was 2 1/2 months old. They are great! Helped me to tell my own story with the books and Brian seemed to be attentive to my voice and the pictures." r

"I'm interested in early development (i.e. even for my newborn). I've had many other mothers recommend CDs and videos such as Baby Einstein, but liked the higher interaction that reading books provides. Also, I'm a first time mother, so I'm really walking into new territory. Bonding with Baby books seem to offer the kind of guidance I'm looking for."

"These books should be on every new parents' gift registry. I reviewed my copies of the books recently and was most impressed with the beauty and simplicity of the books. These books will do much to support both the social and emotional development of infants, as well as the overall attachment process. Our Early Head Start program looks forward to using the books with new parents."
 

"This book was a God-send! I had a particulary difficult delivery, so bonding with my daughter was not an easy process. At first, I was reluctant because the books required that I interact with the baby. My baby was quite excited to not just hear my voice, but to look at the pictures. I highly recommend this book for all new moms. The book helped me to be more creative."