Making the most of your baby's routine

Focus on feeding

When you feed your baby, whether by breast or bottle, he is at the optimum distance from your face to focus with his immature eyesight. Notice how he may fix you with a stare as he enjoys his milk, and how comforting he seems to find it just to hold your gaze.

Although there will be occasions when you'll want to use the time to watch your favourite TV programme or have an uninterrupted phone conversation, set aside some feed times just to enjoy your baby. Sing to him, chat to him in a sing-song voice (babies love this) or just gaze back at him, and take the time to notice any subtle changes in him over the days and weeks. You'll be amazed at how just a few days can make a real difference to his reactions.

Making faces

When your baby is alert between feeds, spend some time communicating with him. Make your mouth into an 'O' shape and see if your baby copies you. Even very young babies are often great mimics.

Hold a conversation with him. Say a few words, and then leave a long enough pause for him to respond. He may change his facial expression, wave his arms and legs or move his mouth. When he stops, start talking again, then wait. You may notice a pattern emerging, and in this way, you and your baby can communicate with each other.

Baby playtimes

Engaging your older baby in playful one-to-one activity provides a great opportunity for bonding. You can make games up as you go along, adjusting the aim to suit your baby's current age and stage of development.

If he's able to focus on a moving object and reach out a little arm, for instance, you could try dangling one of his favourite pram toys around 30cm (12in) from his face to see if he'll make a swipe at it. Once he's sitting supported, you could place one of his toys just out of easy reach and see if she will lean forward to get it.

When he's able to sit unsupported and has better hand-eye coordination, try rolling a large ball slowly towards him and see if he can stop or catch it. All of these activities will give you a chance to find out what new skills he's developing, as well as what his favourite games are and what makes him giggle.

Little achievements can make very big imprints on parents' brains, and you might be surprised in a few years' time to discover that you can still remember that fateful day when your baby first played 'Peek-A-Boo' back at you!