How to Interact with a Newborn

Your newborn may be small and helpless, but she also has some amazing capabilities that may surprise you. Although words are meaningless with your new little one, you have other, more powerful means of communication that can be just as effective. By learning about various ways of interacting with a new baby, you can cement a bond that should last a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

  • Engaging toys
  • Books
  • Music
  • Lotion
  • Books

Instructions

    • 1

      Position your face between 6 and 10 inches away from your newborn̵7;s face to enable your little one to focus on your face effectively. This distance provides the best viewing for a newborn, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics̵7; HealthyChildren.org website. When your newborn seems calm and peaceful, establish eye contact, say his name and talk to him to spend quiet time together. Try making various faces while your newborn focuses on you and wait to see if he mimics you. Your newborn might copy you if you frown, smile or even stick out your tongue.

    • 2

      Sing to your newborn in a relaxing and soothing tone, suggests KidsHealth. Little ones often enjoy hearing melodious voices singing softly. You might also try playing music for your baby while you hold her, rock her or dance with her.

    • 3

      Explore different toys together with your newborn. Show him brightly colored toys that make rattling or musical noises. Hold the toys where he can see them easily in the 6- to 10-inch range. Once your little one notices a toy, shake it gently and move it from side to side or up and down and watch your baby track it with his eyes, suggests the Zero to Three website.

    • 4

      Massage your baby after a bath or during clothing changes to interact in a gentle and loving way, recommends the Abington Memorial Hospital website. Talk softly and stroke lightly over your little one̵7;s skin. You can use light lotion on your hands, if you wish. Massages can last as little as a few minutes or longer, depending on whether your baby stays content while you massage.

    • 5

      Read with your newborn sitting on your lap to begin sharing an appreciation for books. Choose simple and colorful board books and just sit together for a few moments to turn the pages, notice the pictures and read a few words.

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