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6/3/2026 Sunlight Over Screens: Why a Screen-Free Summer is a Gift for Your Little ExplorerRead Now Screens are all around us, a part of most people's daily lives. But if you're anything like me, there's a call deep in your heart to walk away from the screen and enjoy the natural world and lead your kids to do the same. With June officially here, the temptation to lean on the "digital nanny" is real. We are tired. For those of us with multiple kids, the transition from the structured school year to the expansive, often overwhelming days of summer can feel like leveling up, not relaxing. But I want to offer you a gentle reminder: your child’s brain is a masterpiece of neural pathways waiting to be mapped by the texture of a leaf, the cool splash of a puddle, and the warmth of your undivided gaze. Choosing a screen-free summer isn’t about being "perfect" or "anti-tech." It’s about making room for the joyful chaos that helps our little ones grow into the natural explorers God intended them to be. The Science of the "Sunlight Gift"When we talk about the developmental benefits of outdoor play, we aren't just talking about burning off energy. For babies and toddlers, the world is a giant sensory laboratory. Research shows that screen time, especially for those under two, can sometimes lead to a form of hormonal suppression of the natural curiosity that drives learning. When a child is mesmerized by a fast-paced cartoon, they are in a passive state. Conversely, when that same child is outside, they are practicing:
Sensory Summer for Your Tiniest Blessings (0–12 Months) If you are a new mother, perhaps you’ve recently visited us for breastfeeding support, you might wonder if your baby is "too young" for summer adventures. I promise you, they are ready.
For the Busy Toddler Explorer (1–3 Years)  Toddlers are explorers by nature. They want to test their boundaries, climb everything (as seen above!), and understand how the world works. When we swap the iPad for the backyard, we give them permission to be the scientists they are.
Practical Tips for a Screen-Free SummerWhen the day feels long and the "boredom" whining begins, use this acronym I created to help you reset. Here's a practical tip to help you make the most of those long Minnesota summer days.
Embracing the Journey You are doing a beautiful job. Whether you are breastfeeding on a park bench or navigating the "no" phase of toddlerhood, your story matters. These screen-free moments are small moments of attention that tell your child: I see you. You are enough. This world is a gift. You're Invited to Join Us this SummerWe have designed our June and early July classes specifically to help you navigate these sunny months with intention. From our "My Outside Adventure" class to our "Teddy Bear Park Field Trip," we want to be part of your village.  Take a look at our full schedule of Summer With Littles Classes and find a place where you and your little explorer can grow together. How are you feeling about your summer rhythm? What is one "old-fashioned" outdoor activity you remember from your own childhood that you’d love to share with your little one this year? Share your heart in the comments below (I read every single one.)
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5/23/2026 Big Feelings and Really Big Teddy Bears: Elevate Your Summer with Our NEW Baby Signs Course!Read Now
The "Inside Out" Connection: Giving Joy and Sadness a HandRemember the movie Inside Out? It perfectly illustrates the colorful, chaotic control center inside all of us. For a toddler, those characters ~ Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust ~ are running the show at full speed, but the "control panel" doesn't have a speaker attached yet. When we teach our babies to sign, we aren't just teaching them "tricks." We are giving Joy a megaphone and helping Sadness feel seen. In my experience, when a child can sign "SAD" or "MAD" instead of just screaming, the energy in the room shifts instantly. You move from a place of guessing to a place of knowing. There is such a tender peace that comes when a child realizes, “Oh, she understands me.”  Announcing: Our "More Sign Say & Play" Summer Adventure!I am so incredibly excited to announce our upcoming summer series: More Sign Say & Play, beginning June 10! This is a special six-session journey designed for families with little ones aged 6–24 months. And here is a little secret: you don't need to have taken the first Sign Say & Play series to join us. We are starting fresh and diving deep! This summer, we are doing something brand new. We’re blending the convenience of virtual learning with the community-building and fun of local Twin Cities field trips. We’ll meet online to learn our signs, and then we’ll take those signs "into the wild" to practice them together. Our Summer ThemesEach session is crafted to help your child communicate about their outer world and their inner heart. We’ll be exploring:
From the Screen to the Park: Our Local Field TripsOne of the things I love most about St. Croix Birth & Parenting is the community we build. Especially in Minnesota, summer is SHORT! We have to take time to enjoy the green and growing world around us before it's gone again for another long winter. Therefore, this summer, we aren't just learning behind screens. We have three awesome field trips out in the world planned for our local Twin Cities families: 1. Teddy Bear Park in StillwaterWe’ll be heading to the iconic Teddy Bear Park to practice our "Outside" and "Play" signs. There is something so joyful about witnessing a toddler invite a new friend to "PLAY" while standing in the shadow of a giant bear. It’s a wonderful way for big siblings to get involved, too: they are always welcome to join the fun!  2. The Como Zoo in St. PaulIs there anything better than a summer day at Como? We’ll use our "Zoo" session to name the animals we see. When your child points and signs "MONKEY," they aren't just identifying a creature; they are sharing a thought with you. That connection is a pure blessing from God.  3. A Local Farm AdventureWe are currently finalizing the perfect farm location (stay tuned!), where we will put our "Farm" signs to the test. Imagine your little one signing "COW" or "CHICKEN" while actually hearing the sounds and smelling the hay. It grounds their learning in a sensory-rich reality that sticks.  Why This Matters (The "Real Talk" Version)I know your schedule is packed. I know the idea of adding "one more thing" can feel overwhelming. But I want to give you permission to see this not as a chore, but as an investment in your peace...and proactively laying the foundation for a lifetime of better communication with your child. Research shows that baby sign language can actually boost neural pathways and support later literacy. But more importantly, it reduces the "hormonal suppression" of frustration. When a child can communicate, their cortisol levels drop. And mama, when their cortisol drops, yours does too. You are not alone in the struggle of the toddler years. Your story matters, and your child’s voice ~ even if it’s currently only expressed through their hands ~ is a gift. Join Us This Summer!Whether you are a first-time parent or a seasoned pro with a van full of kids, there is a place for you in More Sign Say & Play.
You can find all the details and register here to grab your spot. I can’t wait to see your little ones' faces light up when they realize they finally have the words or the signs to tell you exactly what’s on their mind. It is a beautiful, tender journey, and I would be honored to be your guide. What is one thing your toddler is currently trying "so hard" to tell you? Share your stories (and your frustrations!) in the comments below: let’s support each other! With love and blessings,
~Christelle
Now that it's May, Healthy Vision Month, I wanted to take some time, as part of our News about Newborns series, to chat about the miracle of your baby’s developing sight in the first 28 days of life. This neonatal period is not just about biology; it’s about the very first conversations you’ll ever have, while you are also healing, adjusting, and finding your footing as a mother. THE "MURKY" WATERS OF NEWBORN VISIONWhen you first bring your baby home, their world is a bit of a blur. If you’ve ever felt like your newborn is looking through you rather than at you, don't worry, you aren't imagining it! At birth, a baby’s visual system is still under construction. Their retinas aren't fully developed, and the neural pathways between their eyes and brain are just beginning to fire up. A newborn can only see clearly about 8 to 15 inches away from their face. If that distance sounds familiar, it’s because it is exactly the distance between your face and theirs while you are cradling them for a feeding ~ or a snuggle; Dad's face is equally interesting! Isn't it beautiful how God designed it that way? Even when their vision is limited, they are biologically "hardwired" to see the people who love them most.
EYE CONTACT AS THE FIRST SOUL-TO-SOUL CONVERSATIONWe often think of "conversation" as something that requires words, but for a newborn, sight is the primary language. When your baby locks eyes with you, they aren't just "looking"; they are absorbing information. They are learning the topography of your face, the curve of your smile, and the light in your eyes. This eye contact is an essential part of their social-emotional development. It triggers a cascade of "feel-good" hormones in both of you. Oxytocin, the "love hormone," floods your system, strengthening that invisible tether between parent and child. It’s a peaceful, joyful feedback loop that tells your baby, “I am safe. I am seen. I am loved.” This beautiful moment of connection is a reminder there is a deep, quiet peace to be found in simply being with your child. Even in the midst of the chaos of "mud season" here in the St. Croix Valley, as the rain pours down around me (literally, our roof leaks lol), there is order in the design. THE FIRST 28 DAYS: WHAT TO LOOK FORSince May is Healthy Vision Month, it's the perfect time to give yourself permission to slow down and simply observe what is unfolding during the neonatal period. The first 28 days are a whirlwind involving enormous change for both baby and mother. While every newborn develops on their own unique timeline (and please, don't let the "comparison trap" steal your joy!), here are a few gentle things to watch for in those early weeks:
This same 28-day window is also a crucial season for postpartum recovery. While you are noticing your baby’s development, you may also be healing physically, navigating bleeding and afterpains, adjusting to hormonal shifts, and learning your baby’s rhythms one hour at a time. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain about what is normal for your newborn or for your own recovery, please know that postpartum doula services can be a wonderful resource. As you navigate feeding, rest, emotional changes, and newborn questions, while also trying to take care of your own rapidly changing body, having a gentle guide by your side can provide such a sense of peace during those first fragile weeks.  BEYOND SIGHT: THE BRIDGE TO COMMUNICATIONAs your baby’s vision sharpens, you’ll notice they start to watch your hands and your mouth with intense fascination. They are preparing for the next step in their journey: active communication. This is why I am such a passionate advocate for baby sign language classes. Long before a baby has the physical ability to form words with their mouth, they have the visual and motor skills to "speak" with their hands. By taking advantage of what they can do ~ watch you closely and mirror back the hand gestures you are using ~ you can reduce frustration and open up a whole new world of understanding between you and your little one. It’s like showing them the "doggie door" to communication so they can pass through months earlier than if you need to wait for them to grow big enough to reach the "door handle" of verbal communication! Join Our "Look at Me, Look at You" ClassIf you find yourself captivated by these early "conversations" and want to learn more about how to support your baby’s visual development, I would love to invite you to our upcoming Featured Freebie Baby Signs parent webinar: Look at Me, Look at You. This class, designed for parents of tiny ones 0-6 months, is part of our "News About Newborns" series and is specifically designed to help you understand the nuances of your young infant's vision and development. We dive deep into how to play with your baby in ways that respect their developing nervous system while fostering that deep, secure attachment we all crave.  Attendees will receive a sheet with practical parenting tips covered in the session, lyrics to songs, instructions for games, and pattern cards you can use with your baby. You can find more details and register on our booking site. This Featured Freebie is a wonderful way to connect with other families who are navigating the tender neonatal season right alongside you. The SUPPORT Framework for Visual BondingWhen things feel overwhelming, I like to use a little framework to help us stay grounded. If you're looking for ways to encourage your baby’s visual development during the first 28 days while also caring for your postpartum recovery, try the SUPPORT method:
BLESSINGS FOR YOUR JOURNEYAs you navigate these early days of parenthood, and especially these first 28 days of newborn life, I hope you believe in the beautiful job you are doing. You are the "mirror" that your baby uses to understand himself and his new world. Your face is the most beautiful and interesting thing she will gaze at; your eyes are her first home. Whether you are thriving or just trying to keep your head above water through the neonatal period, remember that you are not alone. Your story matters, and these sweet first conversations are just the beginning of a lifelong dialogue of love. I’d love to hear from you: Do you remember the first time your baby really "saw" you? What did that moment feel like for your heart? Share your story in the comments below: I read every single one! Blessings on you and your family, Christelle President, St. Croix Birth & Parenting LLC For more tips on newborn care and parenting, check out our Rooted Families Blog or join one of our support groups.
As you prepare for the upcoming holidays, here are a few gentle reminders and practical tips to help you and your little one stay peaceful, connected, and full of Christmas joy this season. 1. Keep Connection at the Center Your little one may not understand what makes the holidays special — but they do know what makes you feel special to them. Extra gatherings can be exciting but also overwhelming for babies and toddlers. Try to hold onto a few “anchors” of connection each day — a quiet cuddle before guests arrive, a short walk outside, or singing a familiar song together. Even just slowing down for eye contact and smiles communicates love and safety in the midst of the bustle.
3. Keep Nursing Simple and Centered If you’re breastfeeding, the holidays can bring both blessings and challenges. Changes in schedule, diet, and stress can affect milk supply, and family gatherings can sometimes stir up mixed feelings about nursing in public or around relatives. And a secret that many moms don't realize is the busy-ness of the season can trigger an unexpected return of fertility! Guess how I know that?! Yes; her name is .... Remember: you are nourishing and comforting your baby — a truly beautiful and tender act of love. Try to carve out calm, private moments to nurse - if privacy feels best for you - or proudly feed your baby wherever you’re both comfortable. If you’d like some extra encouragement, join one of ouor upcoming mothers' support groups as we discuss “Nursing Your Baby Through the Holidays." 🕊️ We’ll share practical tips, laughter, and support for making this season nurturing for you and your baby. Both of these groups currently meet online, so you don't even need to leave the house!
4. Keep Expectations Gentle No one — not even the most organized parent — can do it all. This year, let “presence” be your gift. Your baby doesn’t need perfect decorations, fancy outfits, or gourmet meals. They need you — peaceful, present, and full of love. If things get loud or messy, smile and remember that these are the moments that will become stories someday. A baby’s giggle at the dinner table or a sleepy snuggle by the tree is worth more than the best Instagrammable house! Wishing You a Season of Peace and Connection May this holiday season be filled with joyful gatherings, calm mealtimes, and deep connection with your little one — body, mind, and spirit. Whether you’re signing, nursing, or simply soaking in baby cuddles by the twinkling lights, you’re doing beautiful work as a parent.
What part of the holidays are you looking forward to sharing with your little one the most? Comment below and let us know!
Valentine's Day is just a few days away! While the first thing that springs to mind may be romantic love, Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to focus on growing your connection with your little one as well. Toddlers thrive on simple, meaningful activities that engage their senses and strengthen their bond with their parents and other caregivers. I have gathered some simple activities you can easily do with the little ones in your life, while you make some precious memories. crafting A BEE-YOUTIFUL connection
For babies or young toddlers, you can add the details to their footprint to make their bee come alive. Older toddlers and preschoolers will love crafting their bee by themselves! Hint: if you don't have or don't want to use alphabet stickers, you can trace the letters, "BEE MINE," in pencil and have little ones paint over your letters. Fine motor skills, arts and crafts, and writing practice all in one! Saint Valentine love lettersWhile it is entirely possible to celebrate and enjoy Valentine's Day as it is commonly celebrated today, my Christian and Catholic readers will appreciate a faith-based activity you can do with your little ones. Since we're on the topic of "Valentines," did you know that the Saint Valentine, a Roman clergyman from the third century, is still known for writing letters of encouragement to Christians undergoing persecution? This may explain our tradition of writing sweet cards on Valentine's Day to those we love. If you are interested in adding this activity to your special day, talk with your child about people you know who might need some extra encouragement...perhaps a grandparent, a neighbor, residents at a local nursing home, immigrants, or mothers experiencing a difficult or unexpected pregnancy. Write simple messages of encouragement such as "God loves you," "Praying for you," "You are a gift," or "Jesus loves you," and having your child "sign" his name to the card, with a thumbprint, first initial or first name, depending on your child's abilities. Your little ones can also decorate their Saint Valentine cards with hearts, stickers, or stamps. You and your child can then deliver the cards to the intended recipients, bringing them joy, and practicing the virtue of kindness as a family. SENSORY PLAY WITH A HEARTFELT TWISTIf you're hoping to encourage the growth of your little one's attention span; give them an opportunity to explore textures; and practice scooping and pouring; a sensory bin is a great idea. But let's be real...when you've got little ones who may still put things in their mouths, a sensory bin can be a nerve-wracking and potentially dangerous thing! If you can handle it if the littles dump everything out, here's a great idea for a (mostly) edible sensory bin: a cereal bin!
If you want to contain the mess, and you have a big enough box, put the sensory bin and the little ones in the big box. When they're done nibbling, scooping, pouring, and exploring, remove the reusable items and toss, or compost, the remains of the cereal. sweet treats, simple joysSince we're on the topic of food, making heart-shaped treats together is a wonderful way to develop teamwork with your child, while teaching math skills. Valentine's Day and strawberries seem like a natural pair; how about your own home-made, heart-shaped strawberry roll-ups? Yes; please! With only four simple ingredients, this recipe is a great one to make with your little ones. The hardest part for them will be the three to four-hour wait while the mixture dries in the oven. (Hint: fill the time with the other activities we have suggested!) Little ones can measure out and add the ingredients to the food processor, and later, they can cut out the heart-shaped roll-ups with heart cookie cutters. As always, for their safety, make sure you stay with your child throughout this activity. COMMUNICATING LOVE WITH BABY SIGNSGetting out with your little ones to shops or stores around this time of year is a great opportunity to communicate with your child about Valentine's Day. Hearts, flowers, and so many red objects surround and delight your child! Did you know research demonstrates that little ones who use baby sign language learn to communicate more quickly with their parents or caregivers than non-signing babies, and have reduced frustration, because they can talk about the world around and inside them?
The best Valentine's Day activities are the ones that create joyful memories and strengthen family bonds. If you try one or more of these activities, make sure to share how it went in the comments. Use our hashtag #stcroixbirth on social media, so we can share the joy with you and your little ones as you connect on this special day dedicated to love! Note: this post contains affiliate links. Proceeds from your purchases helps us to continue providing free and low-cost services to families in the Twin Cities, Minnesota area, and around the world.
GENTLE, POSITIVE WEANINGWhile the word "weaning" often conjures up images of wailing babies and swollen, painful breasts, gentle, baby-led weaning is often so gradual and natural a process that mother may not even remember the exact day or even week that her little one weaned from the breast. Gradual weaning is gentler on both mother and baby. I use the term "positive weaning" to describe this style of weaning. Instead of abruptly removing a child from the breast, positive weaning is a mindset that respects the child's developmental readiness and views weaning as a process. Being "fully weaned" is a milestone and achievement, like mastering how to use the toilet, learning to ride a bike, or learning to read. Positive weaning also respects the mother's needs and bodily integrity, since the process of weaning may often be the child's first exposure to the idea that each person's body belongs to that person, and their first experience of respecting that others can, and will, say "no" to him or her on occasion. These important lessons have many benefits for the child long into the future. INFANT MASSAGENo matter how they are fed, newborns benefit from infant massage as they transition from womb to world. For a young child, touch is as vital to life as milk. Infants who regularly receive infant massage cry less, develop faster, and have fewer discomforts. Infant massage is a wonderful way to encourage your baby's health and well-being while bonding with your child. JOYFULLY WELCOMING A NEW SIBLINGFor many children, their special time as the "baby of the family" will come to an end when a new sibling arrives. The uncertainty of how their child will handle this transition is often a source of considerable worry for parents during pregnancy. Often in books or shows on this topic, the older sibling is portrayed as jealous and the parents or grandparents as only interested in the new baby, and in my opinion, these negative depictions plant seeds of worry and pessimism in the older sibling that may contribute to a long-term "sibling rivalry." My own experiences as a mother of seven have taught me that this transition is easier on the new big brother or sister when the older child is involved in the pregnancy; for example, attending prenatal care or ultrasound appointments; looking at ultrasound photos together; or helping to pick out clothing or prepare the home for the new baby. It is beneficial if there have been age-appropriate discussions of the birth process and birth plans; as well as frequent discussions of what they can expect of a newborn, and how Mom, Dad, and Big Sister or Brother will care for the baby...all with a positive, excited attitude. During the typical challenges of pregnancy, and especially if complications arise during the pregnancy or birth, it is best to talk with your child in an age-appropriate way about what is happening to mommy or baby and how they can help, even if in very simple ways, like, "Please bring Mommy a glass of water." When the child does these precious acts of service, praise the child, letting him or her know what a great big brother or sister he / she already is. Empathy, gentleness, education, and encouragement will go a long way toward helping the young child to embrace this new role that, God willing, will last a lifetime. SCBP RESOURCES
2/16/2023 'ALL SMILES': MOTHER SHARES HOW BABY SIGNS HELP HER COMMUNICATE WITH BABY (INTERVIEW)Read Now It was such a joy to have a dear young mom and her sweet first baby, Emma, in a recent Sign, Say, and Play baby sign language series. Here are the mother's thoughts about St. Croix Birth & Parenting's Baby Signs classes! Q: What reasons did you have for wanting to learn Baby Signs (R) with your baby? A: We wanted a way to communicate with Emma before she was able to do so by speaking so we could better respond to her needs and help her to feel empowered and connected. Q: Do you think Emma enjoyed the classes themselves? If so, how could you tell? A: Yes! Watching on the iPad for 45 minutes was beyond her so young, but she definitely engaged happily each time, and she really seemed to enjoy playing pretend dressing her Teddy—all smiles and excited sounds! Q: Did you ever see Emma use Baby Signs in her daily life? If so, what signs did she use? A: She is not signing yet, but she seems to watch our hands when we do. Q: Can you think of a time it helped you or other family members to use signs with Emma? A: We use them as much as we can, especially “all done” and “more,” which I think has really helped us with feeding but also when we have to change activities or redirect her to say we are “all done”! Emma always smiles when we sign “dog”! We definitely think they will help as her capacity to comprehend the signs and then to use them grows! Q: Is there anything you would say to parents or caregivers about using baby signs with babies? A: It is fun, functional, and building strong connections between my baby and me and in her brain as she already develops her neural pathways for language before she can ever speak. Q: Would you recommend SCBP Baby Signs (R) classes? A: I already have to several moms! Thanks so much for this wonderful feedback!
 Parents are often the ones who take baby sign language classes so they can communicate with their baby before baby can talk. But learning baby sign language is helpful for anyone who spends significant time with a baby, including siblings, grandparents, daycare workers, babysitters, and other caregivers! Earlier this year, Emilie, a nanny, asked her employer if she could take the Sign, Say, and Play online Baby Signs (R) Class with her nanny charge, Emma. I asked Emilie about her experience using baby sign language with Emma. SCBP: What reasons did you have for wanting to learn Baby Signs with your nanny baby? Emilie: I wanted to learn baby sign language with Emma because I knew how much it would help us communicate with each other. I have used sign language in the past in my family growing up and I was interested in trying it as a caregiver. SCBP: What age was Emma when you began to take classes with her? Emilie: Emma was seven and a half months old when we took our first class.
SCBP: Did you ever see Emma use Baby Signs in her daily life? What signs did she use? Emilie: Yes! Emma loved to use baby signs as she grew older. Her favorite signs were "Dog", "More", "All Done", "Book", and "Fish"!
SCBP: Is there anything you would say to parents or caregivers about using baby signs with babies? Emilie: Using baby signs is a great way to give your little one a way to communicate early on in life. When their vocabulary is bigger than just "cry" and "smile", it will surprise you how much easier it is to care for them! You can simply give them what they tell you that they want, most of the time. SCBP: Would you recommend SCBP Baby Signs classes? Emilie: I would definitely recommend SCBP Baby Signs Classes. They are a fun and easy way to learn a great way of communicating with your little one. SCBP: Thank you, Emilie, for taking the time to answer these questions about your baby sign language experience! Emilie: I am always happy to help out! And it was so fun to take the classes. BABY SIGN LANGUAGE RESOURCESSign, Say, & Play class series: six fun online classes for little ones 6-24 months old covering the main topics that you need to know to communicate with baby, including mealtime, bedtime, bath time, pets, getting dressed, and playtime Rumble Tumble Tummy Time class series: four fun online classes for babies 2-6 months old that use signs, song, toys, and games to make tummy time fun! Featured Freebie class: SCBP offers FREE theme-based baby sign language classes every month for children from birth to age 6! View and sign up for this month's Featured Freebie class here. Baby Signs Too: a website with a directory of certified Baby Signs (R) instructors from around the world and lots of baby signs resources for sale, too!
 August was a busy month for SCBP! The month got rolling with the August 4 session of the Catholic Nursing Mothers' Group, a group co-sponsored by the Catholic Nursing Mothers' League. We discussed "Comfort Nursing." We welcomed nine mothers and their children to this online session.  The next day, August 5, I talked about "The Works of Mercy and Perinatal Loss" at Peace House right here in Stillwater, Minnesota. I was blessed to spend a lovely evening with several of the members of the Catholic Worker movement, who help women and mothers and their children in need of transitional housing, support, and life coaching. I was able to share with the group about our affiliated ministry, Tiny Treasures Perinatal Support. Team Tiny Treasures ships clothing and care packages to families facing or experiencing perinatal loss. It was an honor to discuss how this ministry is a way to "clothe the naked," "comfort the mourning" and "bury the dead".  The following day, August 6, my daughter, Emilie, joined me at the 12th Annual Memorial Walk for Halos of the St. Croix Valley, in New Richmond, Wisconsin. It was an honor to provide support (and demonstrate the resources our affiliated ministry, Tiny Treasures, provides) for the individuals and families who came out to walk to support this wonderful organization that support grieving parents and families.
In mid-August, BeeBo Bear and I had the joy of providing the August Featured Freebie Class, "A, B, C, Sign with Me," online for several mothers and their children. In this class, we had a blast learning all of the manual alphabet signs, while signing songs, and reading the classic alphabet book, Chicka Chicka Boom Boom!
Some of these mothers and kids told their friends about the fun they had in the class and just a week later, BeeBo Bear and I repeated the August Featured Freebie Class, "Under the Sea" Baby Signs Class for a larger group of mamas and littles. In this online class, designed for toddlers and preschoolers 2-5 years old, we created an octopus, sang songs, and told a story to help little ones grow in the virtue of self-control. 
 I had the opportunity to answer questions and answers about Bonding with Baby yesterday at the free online SuperMoms-in-Training Summit. It was a great experience! Since the actual recording is reserved for summit participants, here's a recap of what I discussed. To bond with baby (as well as older children!) I suggest new parents look into attachment parenting (AP). I would argue that AP is simply instinctive parenting that has been practiced since the beginning of the human race, but it has been promoted in recent decades by Dr. William Sears and his wife, Martha Sears, RN. In their book, Attachment Parenting,* the Searses promote the "Seven B's" of AP:
In my Summit Q & A, I discussed a little bit about each of these practices. One reason I encourage mothers to work toward a natural, unmedicated birth without routine interventions is because such a birth usually provides the best conditions for normal breastfeeding, and breastfeeding is an important factor in bonding. Another important part of Birth Bonding is skin-to-skin contact between mom and baby -- and also dad and baby! And skin-to-skin is something you can do with your baby anytime, not just at birth. Research suggests that Breastfeeding is an important factor in mother-baby bonding. It's important to add that breastfeeding doesn't guarantee bonding, and other feeding choices certainly don't prevent bonding! However, breastfeeding releases bonding hormones in baby and mother, and is known as an important factor in bonding. There was a question about what can be done to prepare for breastfeeding during pregnancy. Make sure to get a lactation consultant lined up before you have a need! If needed, it is much easier to make a call for help to someone with whom you have already established a relationship than cold calling in what might feel like a very emergent situation. A second suggestion I have is to make sure you take a good breastfeeding preparation class! The third B is Babywearing. Babies who are "worn" (carried in a sling or infant carrier) cry less and are perceived as "easier" / happier babies. This can make bonding easier. In addition to babywearing, I also recommend Infant Massage! Infant massage is a wonderful way to promote your baby's physical and emotional health while growing in your bond. I spoke the longest about the fourth B: Bed Sharing because many have concerns about bedsharing safety. It is important to follow safe bed sharing guidelines! If bedsharing isn't something that you are interested in doing, it can be beneficial to sleep close to baby, for example, with baby in a "sidecar" arrangement or with bassinette in your room. I add Baby Sign language to the fifth B: Belief in the signal value of a Baby's Cries. The parent or caregiver recognizes that babies want to communicate their needs and it is our job to observe our babies and learn what their signals mean. Baby Sign language facilitates this process by giving babies a way to communicate their needs, thoughts, and emotions before they are able to speak! A mom asked how many signs to start with. I responded to say that in my Baby Signs classes (designed for babies 6-24 months), I teach about 6 signs per week and that seems to be enough variety without overwhelm. I also recommend starting with the mealtime signs because this is such an important area where parents and babies need to communicate every day! Similar to the Bedsharing B, I recognize that "Beware of Baby Trainers" is one of the more controversial AP practices. To make this less confrontational, I like to explain this one as avoiding those practices that force you to be less responsive to your baby. For example, there are some methods that are designed to "train" a baby not to cry...ever. This is the kind of practice that should be avoided if you want to practice AP, because it interferes with the previous B: recognizing the signal value of a baby's cries. (This B does not mean using gentle methods of weaning or helping your toddler learn to sleep through the night at an appropriate age. Of course all children should wean from the breast and sleep through the night!) The final B, which in my opinion is the most important, is Balance and Boundaries. Parents who gravitate to AP tend to be (like me haha) Type A perfectionists. It is important to be gentle with yourself and make sure your own needs are met: physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. AP can be intense and it is something that requires a lot of energy and commitment for the long-haul. You absolutely need to meet your own needs to be a long-term AP parent. You matter! And your baby does, too! Blessings to you and your baby.
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