Getting to play with your baby not only makes you both happy, but it is also very beneficial to their development.
During the first three months, a baby’s brain is growing rapidly and forming new neural connections.
Engaging in fun activities stimulates their senses, particularly vision and hearing, which helps in the growth and maturation of their brain.
Playing with toys and taking part in other fun activities also promotes emotional and social development, such as eye contact and self-discovery.
Singing and talking to your baby also helps build a strong emotional bond and lays the foundation for future communication skills.
Having fun with your baby is not only enjoyable but also essential for their growth and development.
Tummy time
Tummy time activities are crucial for newborns ages 0–3 months. A soft mat on a firm surface, a small pillow under the arms, or toys can make it more fun for the baby.
Babies may fuss at first, but with time, they will get used to it and may even enjoy it. These activities help strengthen the neck, back, and trunk muscles and prepare them for crawling and sitting up.
Start with short sessions of three to five minutes, two to three times a day. After several days, gradually increase the duration and number of exercises per day.
Babies may not like tummy time at first, but with patience and persistence, they will get used to it. Have fun singing songs, making silly faces, and providing plenty of praise and encouragement during tummy time sessions. So get ready to bond and have fun with your little one during tummy time!
Sensory play
Sensory play is an important part of a baby’s development and can be a fun and engaging activity for newborns aged 0-3 months. Offer toys with different textures, shapes, and colors to stimulate their senses.
Toys that are great for sensory play are:
- in order to stimulate the baby’s vision, place toys in black and white with a high contrast in front of them,
- for exploring touch, soft plush toys
- toys that make crinkly noises for auditory stimulation,
- colorful toys with different textures for touch, and
- for the development of motor skills, toys that are simple to hold.
Babies love sensory play as it appeals to their developing senses and helps them learn about the world around them.
Sensory play helps build the foundation for their future cognitive, physical, and emotional development.
Singing and talking
Singing lullabies, nursery rhymes, and talking to your newborn is a fun way to encourage language development and improve their listening skills.
Babies love the sound of their parent’s voice and the repetitive nature of songs helps them to learn and remember new words and sounds.
Singing and talking to your baby also helps to strengthen the bond between you and your little one. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to snuggle and have some quality one-on-one time.
So, sing those lullabies, recite those nursery rhymes, and have fun chatting with your baby!
Reading
Reading to newborns is a fun and rewarding experience.
Brightly colored, patterned books with simple images and stories will captivate their attention and engage their developing senses.
It’s never too early to develop language skills and listening habits. Babies enjoy listening to the sound of their caregiver’s voice and looking at the pictures.
Reading to them creates a bond and sets a foundation for a lifelong love of books.
Swaddling
Wrapping a newborn baby in a cozy blanket is a simple way to provide comfort and a sense of security. Swaddling can be especially helpful for 0–3-month-old babies, as it mimics the feeling of being in the womb.
The snug and secure feeling of being wrapped in a blanket can help a baby feel calm and soothed.
This can cause more sleep and a more peaceful experience for both the baby and the parent. So go ahead, tuck your little one in, and watch them drift off into a peaceful slumber!
Rocking
Rocking is a tried-and-true method for soothing fussy babies. As the motion mimics the feeling of being in the womb, it provides comfort and relaxation.
Holding a baby close while swaying or using a rocking chair can be a great way to bond with your little one.
It’s also a great way to get some relaxation time for yourself while helping your baby feel safe and secure. So, try it—your baby will thank you!
Gentle massages, can also help soothe and calm a fussy baby, promoting a sense of comfort and security.
Bath time
Give your baby a warm bath in a shallow tub to help them relax and sleep better.
Fill the tub with a few inches of warm water (around 37°C or 98.6°F) and test the temperature with your wrist before adding the baby. The warm water can soothe, and splashing can stimulate their senses.
Place a non-slip mat in the tub to prevent slipping. Use a soft, clean washcloth or baby sponge to clean their skin. Never leave your baby unattended and always keep one hand on them.
Short bath time, about 5-10 minutes, can help improve your baby’s sleep.
After the bath, wrap your baby in a soft, warm towel, and gently pat dry.
Bath time can be a special bonding moment between you and your baby. Enjoy the moment!
Overall, incorporating entertaining activities into your baby’s daily routine can be a fun and meaningful way to support their early development and set them up for success.
Remember to always supervise your newborn during playtime and never leave them unattended.
In conclusion, entertaining activities are essential for newborn babies. They provide opportunities for brain, sensory, and muscle development, as well as emotional and social growth.
So, have fun and educate your baby while watching them grow and develop into the amazing people they are!
