8 Fun Things to Do with Your Baby

You’ve spent months dreaming of the day your baby would arrive. Finally, she’s here…and the hours (and days) seem much longer than you’d expected. What do you do now?

Taking care of a young baby can be wonderful, but it also can be monotonous. The repetition of wake-change-feed-sleep can quickly lose its luster, and many mothers begin to feel the first pangs of boredom. First, know that this is normal. Caregiving is hard work. Accepting that these feelings are common can help. So can acknowledging that this is a stage, and it too shall pass.

When you’re exhausted from taking care of your baby night and day, it can be hard to be creative in coming up with ideas to fill your time together. We understand, which is why we’ve put together this list of fun things you can do with your newborn baby.

#1: Stimulate the senses.

Your baby is constantly learning about the world around her through her five senses, and this is very important for her development. You can give her a richer experience by stimulating her senses as you spend time together. As you give her a bath, take her hand, and splash the water. Brush her cheek with your fingers or her soft swaddle blanket. If you’re outdoors, let her feel the leaves or the grass. As you do, talk to her and explain what she’s feeling. She doesn’t understand yet, but you are laying the foundation for language.

#2: Experience Nature together.

Being in Nature benefits both of you. Natural light, the fresh air, and the sights and sounds of the outdoors are all soothing. If your baby has her days and nights mixed up, exposure to natural light during the day can help to regulate her circadian rhythm. It can also help to stimulate you if you’re feeling exhausted. Your outings don’t have to be long or ambitious; just going for a short walk has benefits. Be sure to dress baby for the weather—in general, babies should wear one additional layer, and if it’s a chilly winter day, be sure those hands and feet are covered, and your baby is under a blanket.

#3: Play peek-a-boo.

Babies of all ages love peek-a-boo. You can use a soft swaddle blanket to hide your face, or to place (for just a few seconds) over your baby’s face. Whistle or call his or her name, and then show your face. This simple game can help your baby develop awareness. Later, when your baby is older, peek-a-boo will make your baby giggle—and baby laughter must be one of the best sounds in the world.

#4: Surround baby with colours.

Newborns and young babies develop eyesight and eye coordination rapidly, so anything you can do to “practice” will benefit your little one. A brightly coloured swaddle blanket with a bold pattern—like our rainbows—can give your baby something to focus his or her eyes on. You can also point out colours in books as you share storytime together. 

#5: Play with your voice.

What did your baby do the first time he heard your voice? Many mothers remember seeing their infant turn his head toward their voice. Although sounds are muffled while your baby is in utero, babies can hear—and evidence suggests they get to know their parents’ voices before they’re even born. Knowing how attached your baby is to your voice can help you create a fun game to play together. Hold your baby close and modulate your voice—be excited, whisper, giggle. See how your baby reacts to your voice and its changes. While it seems like a lighthearted way to pass the time, this activity also helps build fundamentals for your baby’s early language development.

#6: Share music.

Music delights newborns and young babies, and it’s also beneficial for language and brain development. Experiment with your baby’s ear by (softly) playing music of a variety of different genres. If you know the song, sing or hum along with it while holding your baby. You can even make a playlist of your baby’s favourites.

#7: Take lots of photos.

Yes, it can feel like the days are passing slowly—but suddenly, you’ll realize they did. Taking photographs can help you remember this precious time together. These snaps are also great for your baby’s memory book, which will be an item you both treasure, so be sure to capture your time together in photos.

#8: Dance with your baby.

A little dancing can be good for both of you. Put on some music you like, take your baby in your arms, and gently sway with her. Always be sure to support her head and neck and keep your movements gentle. This is an extra trick to have up your sleeve if your baby is fussy, as it can help you soothe your little one when nothing else works.

What fun things have you found to do with your baby? We’d love to see what you’re doing on Instagram or Facebook.