I'm really worried my baby isn't bonding with me

[Alicia870]

I've posted about this before. But as the days go on, I'm getting more and more upset about this. DD is 6.5 months. Honestly, I could be anyone to her. I really know I'm not exaggerating this. It's starting to really upset me as I really thought by now that she would be showing signs of affection towards me. If not affection, at least recognising me. I left her last night as I had an event to go to and when I rushed back in today to pick her up from my mums, she didn't even look once at me.
I know some people say to give it time but I just can't help but cry and feel I've somehow done something really wrong for my child not to want me. I feel like I'm failing at this and maybe I've messed up. I feel like speaking to the health visitor about this but don't want her to think I'm nuts.
Does anyone have any ideas on things I could do to work on our bond together? I love her so much - but I feel so sad that she may not feel she loves me

Babies are soooooo interested in their surrounding. Mines is 4.5months and if the tv is on or bright lights or something shiny, I don't get a look in.

I sing lots to her and have her face me so she can see me smile and laugh etc and she does the same back. Turn her to face you and pull faces, raspberries just anything you know will make her laugh.

It's a really curious time for them and they have so much to take in. They are getting lots of information and developing new skills all the time and it's a lot for them! Please don't take offense to it.

How are you in yourself aside from that? Enough sleep and support?

I have the greatest bond with my son - I adopted him when he was 13 months old. I'm sure your bond with your daughter is much stronger than you realise but this is just to give you hope that all is not lost!

Lots of physical interaction if important. Massage. Try to encourage her to make eye contact with you as you're putting lotion on her. Hold her hands to your face. Get her to look at you whilst you pull faces to make her laugh. Get a teething necklace- encourages her to be physically close to you once teething. Dance with her. Just do whatever you can to make her smile and laugh.

I'm no expert but I'd wager that your baby definitely lives you.

Unfortunately, real life children are not like the ones in the Pampers/Cow & Gate adverts. They won't necessarily light up when you enter the room or gaze at you adoringly.

But we feed them and wipe their arses and without us they'd be screwed.

She loves you, don't expect her to be demonstrative about it at 6 months old.

Don’t worry my DD who clinged onto me for 6mths didn’t bat an eye lid when I dropped her off for her taster day at nursery and my DS3 cried when I went to pick him up from pre school as he wanted to stay for stay and play!

She is a small baby.
She can't say she loves you or think it. She doesn't have that ability yet...not for few years! She just knows she is getting care food attention etc. Anyone will do to a degree!

She will respond to whoever is interacting with her.

In a month or so she will exhibit separation anxiety from her main caregivers. And you will get the tears and cries when you leave the room !

Do talk to your health visitor.
She can run thru postnatal depression questionnaire with you and refer if needed .

And yes just do really simple things to engage with her
Sing a nursery rhyme
Play peekaboo
Laugh
Tickle
Smile and make faces
Etc

Absolutely agree with all the above, but also if you are still really worried talk to the health visitor, and go to GP if you feel it's necessary, because they could investigate possible underlying issues on the off chance there are any