How to Play With a Newborn

Although newborns spend much of their time asleep, they take in a lot about their environment during waking moments. Babies are easily overwhelmed during the first month, so when you play with your newborn, appeal to his senses one at a time, for short periods. If he starts getting fussy, playtime̵7;s over. You don̵7;t need to schedule formal play dates. Your baby is entertained and fascinated by a lot of what naturally goes on in his surroundings.

Things You'll Need

  • Music
  • Infant carrier
  • Contrasting sheets and bumper
  • Baby mirror
  • Contrasting baby mobile
  • Cloth book
  • Rattle
  • Toy keys
  • Squeaky baby toy
  • Musical baby toy
  • Teether
  • Textured toys

Instructions

  1. You Are Fun

    • 1

      Talk to him as much as possible, even if you are just narrating a diaper change. Help him learn your voice. Imitate the sounds he makes. Get close to your baby̵7;s face for some of these chats, because his eyesight is still developing; beyond 12 inches, the world is pretty fuzzy.

    • 2

      Hold your baby close and move your face in interesting ways: wink, smile, stick out your tongue or laugh. Try these one at a time; if you do too much, she might become overstimulated.

    • 3

      Sing comforting songs to him. Expose your baby to the joy of music and get him used to a calming sound at the same time.

    • 4

      Provide more musical entertainment by dancing leisurely while holding your baby. Sway slowly and soothingly, rocking her and moving in time to the song.

    Look Around

    • 5

      Encourage your baby̵7;s interest in the world by letting him see what goes on around the house. Put him in a baby seat or bassinet and move him to different environments. Expose him to the sounds, smells and sights in the kitchen, living room and dining room.

    • 6

      Use an infant carrier during the day. Let her share your daily routine. Give her a different view of the world by experiencing it from your height.

    • 7

      Add some interest to your baby̵7;s crib, since newborns spend a lot of time there. Choose sheets and bumpers that have simple, bold images like stripes. Select colors that offer contrast, such as black and white or other light and dark combinations.

    Toyland

    • 8

      Find toys that interest your newborn visually, such as a baby mirror. Look for soft books or mobiles that have contrasting colors, curves and symmetrical lines.

    • 9

      Choose toys that add new sounds to your baby̵7;s environment. Show him a rattle ̵1;-in strong, contrasting colors, of course̵2; and play it for him until he can grasp it on his own. Find a soft, safe toy that makes a sound when squeezed, or play a musical toy.

    • 10

      Appeal to your baby̵7;s sense of touch by giving her interesting, safe toys to touch and even put in her mouth. Offer her a teething toy or soft toys with different textures such as rough and smooth.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • Unwrap It
      Unwrap ItTime 10 to 15 minutes Materials Empty box wrapped in paper Directions Babies love to unwrap boxes, and you can cater to that joyful activity by wrapping a few to be torn open. Extensions Enclose small favorite belongings like blankets, boo
    • Tummy Time Activities for Infants
      Tummy time activities are a way to help your baby begin the development of his neck strength and control. These activities provide both physical and psychological benefits to your baby by strengthening his muscles, improving his coordination and givi
    • Things to Do with a 9-Month-Old Baby
      Most 9-month-old babies have recently become mobile; crawling or creeping around and discovering the world will be a priority. A few babies may even be walking at this age. The world offers so many exciting opportunities and babies should be exposed