As it’s often said, newborns spend their first few weeks of life doing three things: eating, sleeping and pooping. Sleeping will, in fact, take up a large chunk of their day – anywhere from 16 to 20 hours approximately. However, that means they’ll have some wakeful hours too, and not all will be during the night. But how can you play and interact with a newborn who is still figuring out the world?
While you don’t need to entertain your baby every single moment they’re awake, since they do need some time just to check things out and process this brand new world, their main source of entertainment, love and stability is you. As such, playtime is a good time for them to get to know everything about you, from your face to your touch!
Change Up the Scenery
While newborns can only see anywhere from eight to 12 inches in front of them, as the days pass they’ll be able to see more and more. And if they’re seeing the same thing day in and day out, they may get bored, which could lead to crying. To tame at least one of their cries, consider switching out what mobiles hang from their bassinet or crib, as well as the cradle toys you give them.
Another way to switch up their scenery is to carry your newborn with you during their alert time so they can see their home and interact with other family members. Last but not least, you can show them different patterns that may fascinate them. Since their sight is still developing, newborns often quiet down and respond best by looking at black and white or high-contrast patterns and designs.
Tummy Time
Most pediatricians advocate tummy time right from the start. While your sweet bundle of joy won’t be able to do much of anything during tummy time yet, it’ll set the stage for when they can start to lift themselves up, build muscle and work on that head control. Use a play mat on the floor, or a soft blanket during tummy time. Many play mats also feature hanging toys so that it essentially grows with your newborn. As they get older they’ll be able to interact and play with the play mat more.
Sing
You might not be able to carry a tune, but your baby doesn’t care. Let your baby get to know the sound of your voice by singing just about anything, from lullabies to your favorite song. If you sing one song more than others, that’s okay; in fact, they might start to recognize it, which can help to calm their nerves when they’re fussy. Forget the lyrics? Humming is a wonderful way to calm them down, too.
Dance
Babies love to be rocked to sleep, but you can also entertain them with your dance moves. As an alternative to swaying, go ahead and do a few dance moves while holding them in your arms. They might love the movement – but don’t be surprised if it’s your face they’re watching while you move around the room.
As they start to get older, put them in their rocker, turn on your favorite music, and dance. Chances are you’ll see your baby starting to track your movements with her eyes!
Stimulate the Senses, Especially Touch
Pretty much any play activity during the first few weeks of life are meant to stimulate your newborn’s senses. That doesn’t mean you necessarily need to start a home improvement project that makes a variety of noise around the house, although that would surely entertain your baby with all the sights and sounds. Instead, just remember that it’s your touch that they love the best. That’s why they love to be rocked and held – because they’re with you.
In addition to lots of skin to skin contact in those first weeks of life, consider newborn massage. Massage particularly helps with fussy babies. Not only will it calm them down, but they get more familiar with your smell, touch and sounds!
While it’s important to interact and play with your baby in their wakeful moments, do keep in mind that newborns can be overstimulated. Some babies may fall asleep if they’re over stimulated, while others might cry. So while you should plan to play with your new babe every day, also know that it’s perfectly okay to give them time to just hang out and check out their new world at their own pace, too.
| Savannah Marie is a mom and a writer. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading anything she can get her hands on and learning to balance work and home life. |
