I'd assist in eventual object permanence (even though that's a
   lie), bonding and most CRITICALLY, _imprinting_, by holding the
   infant, patting him/her/it on the back, pulling the baby away
   from me so the baby can see my face.

   The best advice to give an infant?

   THIS IS WHAT A HUMAN LOOKS LIKE AND YOU ARE ONE OF US NOW.

   I communicate that by allowing the baby to study the 21
   dimensions of my face until the baby can mathematically figure
   out "this = face and it is good"