So you’ve just been handed this little bundle of joy. There are gorgeous little toes, totally tiny fingers with the most beautiful face you’ve ever seen and that snuggly soft skin … it’s magical isn’t it?!

It’s hard not to spend your entire day staring at your little baby, but, as we all know (perhaps too well), there are ALWAYS things to be done. In fact the list of tasks to get through sometimes feels never ending.

You might feel as though you’re missing some bonding time with your little one when life starts to get in the way, though rest assured, your baby looks to you as their safe haven and doing even the littlest tasks with your baby around is a bonding activity. If you’re after some extra tips to help strengthen that bond, we’ve compiled a list to help you.

Here are 8 tips for bonding with your baby: 

1.     Talk, talk and talk some more

Just because your baby isn’t talking yet, doesn’t mean they aren’t listening.

One of the most simple ways you can bond with your baby is to talk to them – tell them about your day, talk about sciency stuff, show them colours, explain how you’re washing the dishes, complain about your never-ending to-do list, commentate whilst people watching (not too loudly though … Eeeekkkk, that could be embarrassing). They’ll appreciate the conversation even if it is only one way, and you’ll be able to do stuff without the mum guilt. It’s a win-win!

2.     Give your baby a massage

The benefits of baby massage are huge. It can help soothe your baby, it can improve and aide digestion, improve circulation, help baby to sleep well and has even been related to soothing teething pain. Find a nourishing, naturally-derived baby moisturiser – one that’s chemical free and you’ll feel the love as your baby giggles and coo’s with your touch.

3.     Read to your baby

Pick up some of your old favourites from a good bookstore, or the library, and share the joy of a book with your baby.

Hold your baby close as you flip through the pages. Reading to your baby will help develop vocabulary and early imagination. It’s a great way to start them on their lifelong journey with reading and another good excuse for a cuddle.

4.     Take time to breathe when your baby is upset

It’s a myth that not all babies cry. The fact is that they do, they all cry, it’s completely normal and it’s their way of communicating with you.

When you’re tired and have been pushed to your limits, a crying baby can make you feel anxious, angry and many other emotions all at once. Remember that you will get through this. It can be tough in the middle of a crying fit to think like this, but if you take a few deep breaths, you’ll soon realise you can conquer this and help calm your baby down.

If you’re not feeling calm after a few deep breaths, that’s still OK – babies are resilient and you may just need a few more deep breaths, or to make a phone call to someone trusted. It’s OK to feel not OK and there will always be someone you can turn to.

5.     Make bath time your time together

Seriously, aren’t naked babies the most gorgeous thing in the world. They have such soft beautiful skin and cute as a button bottoms!

Make time to spend playing in the bath, babies love water and water play, so make the most of the fun times whilst ensuring bub is beautifully clean. Take a look at the latest ecostore baby range products designed especially for bathing little bubbas.

6.     Go on an adventure

Sometimes it’s hard, but occasionally you just have to push yourself to make sure you get out and about with your baby. Your bub will LOVE going on an adventure – you could go and visit the zoo, an aquarium or you could just keep it local and visit a nearby coffee shop. Everything will be new and exciting for your baby as they take in the sights, sounds and smells and you get to experience it together.

7.     Be ridiculously silly

Can you make your eyebrows dance? Test it out! Put on some music and bust out your best/craziest dance moves. Stick out your tongue and go cross eyed. Attempt to lick your elbow and laugh at yourself whilst doing it. No one from the outside world needs to know how silly you are, it’ll be a secret between just you and your baby, and I don’t think baby will tell anyone …

One thing’s for certain, it’s almost guaranteed to make them smile!

8.     Pucker up

When your bub is little they cannot escape, so kiss, kiss and kiss some more. The older they get, the more resistant they’ll be, so take this opportunity to kiss them as much as you can!

For some parents, it takes a little time to develop a deep bond with their baby, but don’t worry, this is completely normal. With these lovely bonding experiences and ideas, your bond will form and blossom into a beautiful, irreplaceable relationship.

Do you have any bonding tips to add to this list? SHARE with us in the comments below!