It took nine months of careful planning and preparation for you to meet your baby and just one second to fall in love. Having a child is undeniably one of the greatest joy’s life brings, and many couples feel a much stronger bond with each-other, but it’s also an adjustment.

For couples it means learning to parent, share their home and even their bedroom in the first few months of parenthood. There are more books to read, laundry and chores to do, and there is much less time. Babies need constant attention. Nights are busy with multiple feedings and mornings start early, incredibly early. So how do couples adjust to these new demands and still find time to nurture their own bond – sans baby? Below are five simple steps you and your spouse can take to keep the romance alive, after you have a child.

1. Make A Date and Stick to It

Chances are your schedules were busy before baby was born. Now you’re taking turns working, napping, cleaning, feeding and caring for your little one. This means time spent as a couple is sacrificed. By setting a date to spend some quality time with your partner, you’re instilling a habit, which will have great benefits for both you, your partner and your child. This may start as a simple coffee date down the street on Saturdays in between feedings when your babysitter or relative can stop by. Eventually when you’re able to leave your child for a couple hours, your date can evolve into dinner or a movie. If you can’t leave your children, plan for a special dinner at home once a week after baby goes to bed. Set a beautiful table and take turns cooking for each other or cook together. The idea is to make alone time with your partner a regular occurrence, one that is prioritized and doesn’t get bumped aside.

2. Take A Romantic Stroll During Your Child’s Nap

Turn your child’s nap time into a romantic walk for you and your partner. The fresh air is good for your child while they are sleeping in the stroller, and you and your partner can enjoy a scenic stroll while having an opportunity to talk. Children sleep much better outdoors, and this can buy you up to two hours with your partner. Make sure the setting is natural, so your child is not disturbed by high traffic noises or the lights and sounds of a busy mall.

3. Show Your Affection, “Just Because”

Remember when you used to call each other just to say, “Hi”? That doesn’t need to stop. Nor do the love notes, text messages or showing your love, just because. Experiment with doing something loving for your partner once a week. This could be leaving a love note on the bathroom mirror or hiding a favourite treat in your spouse’s coat pocket. These acts of love and kindness don’t take a lot of effort or time, but they do show your partner you love them, and you care.

4. Give Your Partner the Day Off

Okay, so a whole day may be out of the question, but surely you can give your partner an afternoon to spend time alone, with their friends or even just to have a nap, while you take care of baby. If your partner is home and you can tell they are run down, offer to run them a warm bubble bath and surprise them with champagne and strawberries or a new book. These acts of service show your partner that you consider their time and needs important. More likely than not, they will return the favour.

5. Take Five Minutes to Connect Each Day

It’s easy to lose track of what’s going on in your partner’s world outside of the home, when your child is born. Conversations and attention tend to revolve around your children and not your spouse. Take at least five minutes each day to ask your spouse about their day and have them ask about yours. Make a habit of doing this at a time when you can give each other your undivided attention. Really listen without judgment when your partner is talking and try to put yourself in their shoes. You’ll be surprised at how a little empathy can go along way in keeping you both connected.

Time is precious when you become a parent. Your personal life suddenly seems non-existent and often you’re too tired to think of planning anything beyond your child’s next feeding. However, making a habit of connecting with your partner on a regular basis can actually lessen the load and make the journey of being a parent much more enjoyable. Not only that, but your child grows up with parents who are affectionate with each other, happy to be together and very much in love. This ensures that they have a good foundation and a model to build their own relationships in the future.