I’ve partnered with JOHNSON’S® for this blog post. All the opinions are my own

I remember the day Kai was born like yesterday. After 14 hours of labor, a screaming, tiny, baby came earth side with a full head of black hair as thick as my own. I can recall the moment she was taken to her first bath ever. I can see her five little fingers reach up to the sky as the nurse bathed her in the sink ever so gently. I remember thinking: what a tiny little miracle and promised then and there to always protect her and make her my priority.

Little did I know, that was the first time we started our tradition with JOHNSON’S. We started with that tiny bottle we were sent home with in the hospital and evolved into an everyday staple in our routine. Over the next 2 years, we have used JOHNSON’SBaby lotions, shampoos, bath goodies to cleanse and connect. I am so beyond excited to announce that JOHNSON’S is ALL NEW, inside and out! Today, I am sharing 3 tips for quality time with your baby and taking you on a sneak peak of the all new JOHNSON’S

Since their inception nearly 125 years ago, JOHNSON’S mission has been to create the gentlest baby products in the world. They never stop raising the bar and listened to parents around the world to improve their line inside and out. They have made a commitment to the standard of gentle by reducing the number of ingredients in their product by over 50%. JOHNSON’S removed parabens and phthalates in 2015. Now 96% of their leading product line is naturally derived. So, what does it take to choose gentle? JOHNSON’S has made 5 promise to parents, just like you and me:

• Promise 1 - Never Stop Raising the Bar
• Promise 2 - Only Use Purposeful Ingredients
• Promise 3 - Be Open and Honest
• Promise 4 - Think Like a Parent First
• Promise 5 - Help Make the World a Gentler Place

These promises got me thinking about focusing on the important thing in life. For our family, it doesn’t mean lavish trips or expensive toys. It’s the moments in between that count the most - the tiniest connections, the gentlest touches, the sweetest snuggles. Not every day is rainbows and butterflies but a little dance and song is my secret ingredient to connect in even during a meltdown moment. Here are 3 ideas to bond and connect with your child in a meaningful way:

1.     Comfort and Teach Through Touch:

Our babies first emotional bonds come from physical touch. If your toddler’s love language isn’t necessarily being held (much like mine), choosing activities that encourages physical touch to strengthen your time together. Some great ideas are: finger painting, hand print art where you can guide them with touch. A tickle fight or even putting lotion on each other before bedtime can increase meaningful touch & bonding time.

2.     Involve Music:

Music can help in a child’s mental development. I love exploring different instruments and songs together with Kai. Talk your baby through the sounds he or she may hear. Let them get to know the instruments through touch and sound experiments. At this age for Kai, a dance party is what connects the whole family.

3.     Involve the Pets

Olie, our puppy is just as huge part of the family. When we teach Kai to be gentle with him through play and game, it helps her empathize and bond with each member of the family. I love involving all the senses in hide a seek game. Kai and I would hide in a fort or under a blanket and we would call for Olie to come find us. This game gets her laughing every time!

I hope you’ve enjoyed these fun little tips. Come and visit my Instagram to share your favorite way to connect with your child. Stay tuned for more helpful information from the all new JOHNSON’S too!