Play, Learn, Love: How To Engage With Your Newborn
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Playing with your newborn might seem like an easy and intuitive task, but it can actually be quite challenging. When I first became a mom, I struggled with how to engage with my little Bean in a way that was both stimulating and age-appropriate. But over time, I've learned some tricks of the trade that have made playtime with my baby a lot more enjoyable for both of us. I discovered that the most magical moments of play often happened during the simplest activities. From gentle cooing and singing lullabies to engaging in eye contact and gentle touch, these seemingly small gestures held incredible significance in my newborn's world.
Explore Some Playtime Ideas:
While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to playing with newborns, I would like to share a few playtime ideas that made our playtime more engaging for both of us:
Sensory Play: Introduce different textures through soft toys, fabrics, or even your gentle touch. Watch as your baby explores the world through their senses. Crinkle toys, smooth plastic, textured crochet…there are so many textures for them to experience!
Tummy Time Fun: Encourage your little one's physical development through supervised tummy time. Engage them with colorful play mats, soft toys, or mirror play. One thing that was super helpful in those early tummy time days was this water mat to help support him as he developed his core muscles. Your baby may get fussy with tummy time as you get started, so aim for 5 minutes at a time and try to elongate as they get more accustomed to this new position.
Singing and Rhymes: Tap into the power of music and nursery rhymes! Sing soothing melodies or recite gentle rhymes to captivate your newborn's attention and create a soothing environment. If singing isn’t your jam, there are plenty of musical toys to choose from. The crinkle ears and soft tones make this cute elephant a big hit for us. This one in particular has been a favorite of Bean’s since day one and has saved many-a-meltdowns in the car. I have purchased many of these: one for each car and one for his play area.
Baby Massage: Discover the benefits of baby massage, not only for relaxation and help with baby sleep but also for strengthening the bond between you and your little one. Use gentle strokes and soothing oils to create a calming experience. To learn a bit more about baby massages and help you get comfortable, feel free to check out my blog post all about the power of baby massages!
Supportive Tools and Resources:
To enhance your playtime experience with your newborn, here are some recommended items you can consider:
Soft Toys and Rattles: Engage your baby's senses with soft toys and rattles designed specifically for newborns. Your newborn is still developing their eyesight so look for toys that are high contrast like this rattler or this cloth book. The black and white colors are easier for your little one to see and create more interest for them in playtime. Also crocheted toys, like this adorable elephant teether give your sensory baby a new texture to explore! Your little one is learning they have hands and feet, so help them recognize their body with toys like these rattler socks.
Play Mats and Gyms: Invest in a comfortable and interactive play mat or gym that provides a safe space for your little one to explore and play. As I said before, this water mat was a must for Bean’s early tummy time days.
Baby Books: Introduce the joy of reading early on with age-appropriate baby books featuring vibrant colors, contrasting patterns, and simple illustrations. Even when your newborn doesn’t understand the story, babies love the cadence and vocalization of a story. Nursery Rhymes, like these, are a great starting place too.
Baby Carriers: Stay close to your baby while having your hands free with a reliable baby carrier. It allows for bonding and enables you to go about your daily activities.
Overall, playing with your newborn can be a wonderful way to bond and promote development. With a little patience and creativity, you can turn playtime into a fun and rewarding experience for both you and your little one.
