When responding to parental bonding cues, which action is appropriate for the nurse?

• A. Step in and take the infant for medical evaluation
• B. Encourage the parents to hold and talk with the infant
• C. Advise the parents to wait until discharge to bond
• D. Restrict parental contact to feeding times

Answer: (B)

Promoting bonding starts with inviting parents to engage physically and verbally with their infant. Encouraging parents to hold the baby and talk to them during care gives them opportunities to read and respond to cues, fosters close contact, and builds confidence in their caregiving role. This is especially important even when an infant has a cleft lip or palate, because bonding is not dependent on appearance and begins immediately through touch, voice, and responsive soothing. Taking the infant away for medical evaluation or delaying bonding until discharge undermines attachment by creating unnecessary separation and reducing chances for parents to practice comforting and communication. Limiting parental contact to feeding times also cuts off essential moments for eye contact, soft speech, and soothing, which are foundational for secure attachment.