Play may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of your brand new babe, but surprisingly enough, it’s never to early to initiate interaction and even play time with your little one. In the first few months you will notice they are taking leaps and bounds everyday, and changing before your very eyes. You may feel like those silly noises you are doing are just that, silly. But when you get that first gummy smile or giggle from your sweet baby it will be worth it. If you are stuck on how to add some fun into your everyday routine, here are some tips on how to play with your newborn.
1. Touch
As if I even need to tell you to snuggle that gorgeous new baby of yours. But I don’t mean just cuddles, I mean sensory touch. Like tickling the bottom on their feet, or giving them a soft blanket to feel. Help let your baby explore the world by feeling and experiencing different textures and shapes. Even if they aren’t holding onto things yet, teach them how to grab by giving them your finger, they will naturally start to reach and hold into things as they grow.
2. Talk
Babies love to hear you talk. Even before they can coo back they love the face to face interaction. But you don’t always have to be looking them in the eye in order to talk. As you go about your day talk to them about what you see what your doing, before you know it they will be “talking” right back at you.
3. Sing
It’s never too early to start singing lullabies to your sweet one. You can even incorporate hand motions to give them more to look at as they watch and learn. You’ll be surprised how quickly they will respond as they hear and see familiar sounds and actions done by you everyday.
4. Read Out Loud
Start those bedtime stories early. Just like talking, reading out loud helps your baby get used to your voice and exposes them to a wide range of vocabulary early. You can start with some of those cute baby books your have displayed in your nursery, or you can even read your own books to them.
5. Tummy Time
Of course this doesn’t always seem like fun and games if your little one isn’t a fan of tummy time, but this is a great time for you to be able to play and encourage your baby as they grow. If you need tips on helping your baby with tummy time, check out this post here.
6. Rattles + Toys
Once your baby starts to track movement with their eyes, you will find they will be more interested in those adorable rattle and small toys you’ve been dying to pull out. Gently shake the toy in front of their face and move it back and forth as they follow it with their eyes. Right around this time you will notice they will start becoming more interactive to games like peek-a-boo.