8 ways to get closer

1 HAVE A BABYMOON. Make your baby your top priority. Switch off your phone, and forget about housework and chores that can be done later.

2 KANGAROO CARE. Put your baby on your naked chest, so she can experience skin-to-skin contact. This will stimulate her sense of hearing (your heartbeat), touch and smell and help you bond.

3 BREASTFEEDING is one of the best ways to bond with your baby. If you’re bottlefeeding, remember to feed in the same way you would when breastfeeding, so that you don’t miss out on this wonderful bonding opportunity.

4 BATH TOGETHER. Sometimes it’s easier to simply get into the bath with your baby – partners can do this too!

5 NAP TOGETHER. You need all the sleep you can get, so take a nap at least once a day with your baby.

6 DAD TIME. It’s just as important for Dad to spend time alone with his baby. It’s sometimes hard for us to let go, but men need to build their skills and confidence too. Dads can bath, bottlefeed, wind and snuggle just as well as moms.

7 SING. You will find it therapeutic to sing gentle songs to your baby. It’s a wonderful comfort to your baby as your voice (in any form) is the sweetest sound to her.

8 WEARING YOUR BABY (in a sling or on your back with a blanket or two) is wonderfully comforting for both of you. This method not only rocks your baby to sleep, protects and keeps her warm and close, but it frees up your hands.