How to Play with Your Newborn
There are many ways to play with your newborn and support their development from birth!
Tummy Time is an important activity for Baby’s development that can be started on day one.
Playing with Baby can be as simple as showing them around the house, talking to them, and playing music!
Sometimes it’s hard to know how to play with newborn babies or what activities even count as play.
Many parents and caregivers feel this way! The good news is there are lots of easy activities to do with your baby. In fact, you may have even done some already without even knowing it!
Do Tummy Time
Tummy Time is crucial for Baby’s development and you can start as soon as you get home from the hospital. Tummy to tummy is a popular Tummy Time move that can be comforting for Baby in the beginning and help with bonding. Even though Tummy Time is like a workout for Baby, you can make it fun for them too! Incorporate rattles and toys to make it more exciting for Baby.
Show Baby Around
You can carry Baby around the house with you and play in other fun positions like on the floor during Tummy Time. Remember, everything is new and exciting for them. Be sure to point out objects, shapes, and colors. You can also try holding them at different heights so they can enjoy different views.
Talk With Baby
Even though Baby doesn’t understand you, they will know your voice! This early communication is important, and hearing you describe objects and talk about what you’re doing will help Baby’s communication development. During Baby’s first year they will be cooing and babbling. Be sure to respond to Baby’s coos to reinforce that you are listening and that communication is a two-way street.
Play With Faces
Face to face play with Baby is a primary way to incorporate faces in play! Baby will enjoy looking at your face and making eye contact. Showing them faces in books, on their dolls or stuffed animals, and in pictures will delight them. Sing songs and smile—you may see Baby smile back at you for the first time between 6 and 12 weeks! You can also use mirrors to look at yourselves together.
Try Baby Massage
Massage+ 30, 10, 5 is a simple, quick, and powerful intervention using massage to help improve the health and development of premature and full-term infants. This is a massage of Baby’s head, arms, legs, belly, and back, and incorporates communication and movement. Originally developed for babies in the NICU, this expert-backed method has proven benefits for all infants. It helps with parent/baby bonding, Baby’s physical development, and feeding habits. So many benefits in one simple, daily intervention!
Sing or Play Music
Music helps Baby’s brain development! Try listening to music around the house, playing with instruments (even something as simple as a plastic cup and spoon makes a good instrument!), or singing to Baby. Music also promotes bonding and helps with Baby’s social-emotional and sensory development.
Remember that it’s okay to be silly when playing with Baby! Just talking about what you are doing and singing songs can make everyday activities fun for Baby.
For even more activities, visit our Play page. You can enter Baby’s birth date and get new games each week to help Baby reach their developmental milestones! After all of this playing, Baby will be tired. Remember the ABCs of safe sleep when putting Baby down for a nap. And try to get some rest yourself!
