Blog Post by Finest Touch - June 13 2022
bonding time:
7 activities you can do at home with a newborn
Congratulations! Whether you have already welcomed your newest family member, or are still preparing up for the big day, you may be wondering about how to play with your newborn. Between all those diaper changes, feedings, and naps there will be times when your newborn is awake and alert, ready to take in his surroundings and engage with you. You may be wondering what activities you can do with your newborn when he/she is just days or weeks old, so read on for some great infant activities.
7 fun things to do with your newborn
If you thought that your newborn baby would only sleep and wake up for meals, then it’s time to rethink! Here are the top 7 activities to do with newborn babies:
1) Play hide and seek.
Play hide and seek with your newborn but not in the regular way.
Hide your face behind your hands or a cloth.
Call his name or whistle or make any different kind of noise.
Your infant will recognize your voice and try to find out where it is coming from. When your baby finds you, pick him up and shower him with your love. This will create a happy emotional bonding.
2) Play with expressions.
Smile at your baby, stick your tongue out, and make different expressions — the sillier and more exaggerated, the better! Get nice and close to your baby so she can study your face and its features. Before long your little one might start imitating your expressions, and you’ll love it when she smiles in response to your broad grins.
3) Airplane ride.
Give your baby a new perspective on life (and some vestibular input) by holding your baby face down using your arm across his tummy to support him.
This position can be helpful for gassy babies, but un-gassy babies will enjoy it too! Gently sway your baby side to side. You can even make airplane noises if you want.
4) Follow the leader.
See how many actions your child can imitate in a row by tapping the table, opening and closing your hands, clapping, and waving. This helps to practice their motor movement as well as memory learning.
Tip: Start with something your baby is already doing, like banging a fist on the table.
5) Emote.
It is a wonderful game to play with your munchkin.
When your baby is awake and playful, hold him close and try to talk with animated gestures and expressions.
Vary the pitch of your voice. You will be amazed to see how your baby reacts to your actions. This will help your baby learn and recognize emotions and increase the attention span of your baby.
6) Music therapy.
All babies have an affinity towards music. Melodies have a soothing effect on babies and can boost their memory as well as mental skills. Try to play different genres of music when your darling is awake and see which music relaxes him and which annoys him.
Some music might charge him up while some will make him sleep. Your touch and voice may accentuate the benefits. Sing along and encourage your baby to do so too!
7) Massage therapy.
You can help your baby’s circulatory and digestive system develop by massaging your baby with gentle pressure and motion. Choose a time when both you and your baby are relaxed to do this activity.
Use baby lotion or unscented, natural, edible oil (like grapeseed, almond, or olive oil) to massage your baby.
the bottom line
Remember: you don’t need special or scheduled time to play with your baby. In fact the best time to sing, talk, and interact is when you are engaged in the most essential of caregiving routines such as holding, feeding, bathing, changing diapers.
Most importantly, this is an adjustment time—for your newborn, and also for you. Don’t put excessive pressure on yourself, and try to enjoy this unique time of life.
Article credit :
- Ellen Sturm Niz (https://www.parents.com/baby/development/growth/11-simple-activities-for-babies-0-to-6-months/ )
- Sanjana Lagudu (https://www.momjunction.com/articles/fun-things-to-do-with-your-newborn-baby_0077756/)
- Pampers (https://www.pampers.com/en-us/baby/activities/article/newborn-activities)