The infant's lived experience of bonding and connection with their parents in a neonatal intensive care

Recognizing the foundational role of infant-parent relationships in supporting healthy development, this study explored the infant's lived experience of bonding and connection with their parents in the context of an Australian neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Drawing on a 360° phenomenological approach, data were gathered from a diverse set of sources including observational fieldnotes, bedside diaries, newborn behavioral observation sessions, and semi-structured interviews. Participants included seven infants, thirteen parents, and twenty-four healthcare providers, purposively sampled from a quaternary NICU. Thematic analysis revealed three interrelated themes that shaped the infant's relational world: layered separation, highlighting the multiple and compounding barriers to closeness; missed opportunities for connection, reflecting the subtle and often unintentional ways bonding was impeded; and resilience-in-relationship, capturing how infants and families adapt within this challenging relational landscape. The findings center the infant's voice and perspective, illuminating how institutional practices and interpersonal dynamics either hinder or support the formation of secure attachments. Ultimately, the study highlights the necessity of fostering a NICU environment that prioritizes the infant-parent relationship, creating space to enable emotional connection and containment, even within the complexities of critical care.