We all know that childhood is a synonym of playtime, toys and fun moments! But did you know that these leisure moments start much early on? Yes, you also have to learn how to play with a newborn! But why should you care for that in the midst of all other concerns with your baby?
Importance Of Playing With A Newborn
You probably know that your baby’s brain starts developing early – actually, while they’re still in the womb.
Every single stimulus you experience resonates with your Little One.
It’s mandatory that these impulses continue after they’re born. Actually, the first thousand days are considered to be critical in terms of overall development, according to the American Pediatrics Association, because it helps forming brain plasticity.
Playtime and quality moments with your newborn are the answer to properly stimulating them. From these spurs, not only your baby associates your presence to a good time, but they also create connections about the whole world that is around them.
Making The Best Of Playtime With A Newborn
To make the most of your time with the Little One, first you have to assure that their basic needs are in check.
In their first weeks of life, they mostly sleep and eat. So make arrangements so that your baby is safe while they sleep, and they are being properly fed.
As time goes by, you’ll see that they spend more time awake and are able to respond to your inputs.
It’s all going to come down to how you stimulate the newborn, so start to take notes!
How To Play With A Newborn
Spending time with your baby is an amazing experience on its own, but you can make it even more special!
Try these activities to stimulate and create bonds with the Little One.
Narrate the world around them
Keep yourself talking and engage your baby in conversations throughout the day. Even though they can’t respond with words just yet, talking to them helps build their language skills and strengthens your bond.
Use a calm and soothing tone, make eye contact, and describe what you’re doing or what they are seeing around them. This simple act of communication is one of the foundations for their language development.
Read aloud
This introduces them to the rhythm and melody of language. Choose books that capture their attention with simple, repetitive text and colorful pictures.
Even if they don’t understand the words, they will enjoy the sound of your voice and the closeness of being wrapped around Mom’s arms.
Reading for children fosters a love for books and helps build their own early literacy skills.
Sing and dance
Music is a wonderful way to connect with your baby! You can sing lullabies, nursery rhymes, or really any song you enjoy. The combination of your voice and the gentle rhythm of the music is comforting to them.
To add a little movement to it, you can also gently sway or dance with your baby in your arms, which can help them develop a sense of rhythm and balance. This activity is both soothing and fun!
Tummy time
If you have a newborn at home, tummy time is essential for your baby’s physical development.
It helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which are important bases for crawling and other motor skills later on.
When it comes to tummy time, patience and consistency are key. Start with just a few minutes a day and gradually increase the time as they get more comfortable.
Toys Tryouts
Introduce your newborn to age-appropriate toys that stimulate their senses. Soft, colorful toys with different textures, rattles, or toys that make gentle sounds are ideal.
Offer them one toy at a time and observe how they react. This not only entertains them but also helps in their sensory development.
Always make sure the toys are safe, free of small parts, and made from non-toxic materials.
Singing and reading might as well be one of your own personal hobbies, but you can also add them to the list of how to play with your newborn! This is the epitome of making the most of quality time with your precious tot.
Continue your quest on becoming the best parent you can be by learning how to burp a newborn and how it relates with their overall health.
