What Activities Can You Do With Babies?

You already know how important it is to play with a newborn; engaging in stimulating, educational, and bonding activities with your child. But their special obstacles include figuring out how to communicate with a squished-up infant and keeping a rowdy 14-month-old blissfully occupied. For this reason, we put up this helpful resource, which details things to do with infants and toddlers from birth to age 2.

Please keep in mind that every infant is unique and that some may be more or less ready for particular activities than others. It's also possible that your infant will really dislike one of our suggestions. To some extent, that is also the norm. Don't be afraid to wing it until you come up with a solution that works for you and your partner.

There are moments when life with a newborn feels ordinary and then there are others when it feels like a fairy tale. Everyday routines can conceal life's most significant moments or most frustrating seconds.

We are working hard to climb Mount Everest in order to pack as much into the day as possible before bedtime. We have compiled a list of things to do at home with newborns to help you pass the time, or make those times more magical and less routine.

Some of the ideas for engaging your baby's senses and having fun with your baby that you'll find below may surprise you.

My Baby Nursery has an extensive range of baby play mats for you to choose from.

Why Is It Important To Play With Newborns?

All of your baby's growth, learning, and health can be attributed to his or her time spent playing.

Your infant will gain awareness of his environment and discover new ways to engage with it through play. Your newborn will benefit from fresh play experiences since it helps the brain to form new connections. In addition to fostering the development of gross and fine motor skills, muscle strength is boosted during playtime with a newborn.

Infants who are exposed to language early through play are more likely to develop language skills later in life. Even if you don't have time to play right now, you can still talk to your infant about what's going on while doing other things, like making supper, going grocery shopping, or doing laundry.

As you and your newborn engage in playful interaction, you both benefit. Because a child's play reveals important insights about their character. Whether it's rough and silly or peaceful and calming, you'll quickly learn what your newborn likes.

Tummy Time

One of the first forms of play your infant will experience is tummy time. All infants should sleep on their backs, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Babies should spend a lot of time on their tummies when they are awake and can engage in play. Your baby will have more control over her head and avoid a flat spot on the back of her head thanks to the strength she gains from tummy time as her neck and upper body muscles grow. According to the AAP, tummy time can start the day you bring your newborn home from the hospital. If she seems to enjoy it, put her on her stomach for three to five minutes many times a day. As your baby grows and gains strength, you can increase tummy time and start setting out items that stimulate reaching, creeping, and crawling.

Fun With Faces

Infants learn so much about the world around them by touching different things. Permit your child to explore the features of your face and the faces of his stuffed animals with his hands. Direct your baby's hand to his nose, mouth, ears, and more while naming each part of the face as he touches it. Hold your infant's hands close to his face as you talk and create expressions so he can learn how we communicate through our faces.

Finger Puppet Play

Before a baby's language skills can flourish, he or she needs extensive interaction with others. Putting on finger puppets and making up a jovial tale of adventure is one entertaining method to accomplish this. Don't stress, nobody's going to see you or your baby perform on stage.

Give Baby A Massage

The benefits of infant massage far outweigh the requirement to attend one of the many baby massage classes offered across the country. Start off with some quality bonding time by watching some funny videos on YouTube.

Make And Try Sensory Bottles

If you need infant toys, a quick trip to the mall will leave you with a significantly lighter wallet. These beautiful sensory bottles are just one of many popular baby toys that you can make at home and use to keep your little one entertained for hours.

Play With Pompoms

Your baby will enjoy hours of fun "posting" and rearranging the pompoms with some decent-sized pom poms and some toilet roll tubes.

Make Hand And Footprints With Salt Dough

An easy and inexpensive way to create lasting memories is to whip up a batch of salt dough and have some fun forming hand and footprints. Your child can learn about different textures by playing with some extra dough.

Blow Bubbles And Wait For The Baby To Pop Them!

Babies and bubbles are the missing piece of a puzzle. Watch your baby's face light up with joy as you blow bubbles past its nose and mouth.

Jelly Explore Textures

The baby can be kept occupied in a high chair with a tray of assorted coloured jelly if you need to get some things done in the kitchen now that they are through the weaning stage. This baby-friendly sensory game is perfect for your little one to squish and squelch.

Use Edible Finger Paint To Make And Play

Baby's first masterpiece is priceless, but keep in mind that babies have a tendency to put things in their mouths. Make edible finger paint so they can still get their hands dirty while painting.

Testing Out Textures

When your baby first starts to scoot and crawl, you may encourage his exploration of his surroundings by spreading out rugs, blankets, or other materials with varying textures on the floor for him to crawl over and examine. Sticky contact paper, noisy bubble wrap, and tufts of leftover carpet are just a few examples. If you're out and about with your baby, be sure to let him explore the world through touch by letting him run his hands over different surfaces, such as a brick wall or the handrail of a staircase.

Have Important Tummy Time

The importance of belly time for babies cannot be overstated, especially in the early stages of their development. Is there a way to turn this into a game in and of itself? Put your infant on your chest if they're resisting. Sing and talk to your baby, and they'll be more motivated to roll over and start playing.

Play With Rattles

There's probably been some validity to this practise for hundreds of years. For infants, the noisier the toy, the better it is to shake. You can even improvise your own!

Play Peek-A-Boo

A child reaches an age where the game of peek-a-boo never fails to elicit a round of giggling laughs and toothy grins. Babies, unlike older children, do not have the same understanding that you are still there (even if you're hidden), hence they are consistently amused and startled by this activity.

Sing Nursery Rhymes

Your infant will find joy in your voice regardless of whether or not you have the X-Factor. Learn the moves to some old favourites like "Wind the Bobbin Up" and "The Wheels on the Bus." Even if you can't carry a tune, your infant will still adore you.

Baby play mats are available in a wide variety in our shop.

Kick A Balloon!

This is one of our favourite non-traditional baby activities because it is so well received by infants. Put helium balloons tied loosely around their ankles and suspend one of the balloons a few feet above the ground. They will wriggle and wretch with glee at the thought of dominating their own amusement.

Let Them Discover A "Treasure" Basket

Gather all the items from around the house that are safe for a baby. Put them in a basket and your baby will have a blast learning about the world through touch and sight. Socks rolled up into balls, whisks, and pinecones are among fan favourites. Maintain proper oversight at all times!

Painting With Cars And Trucks

Infants have perfected the art of getting dirty. They get great joy in it. You may pick up some low-priced plastic automobiles at a thrift store. Then get some baby-safe paint and a big piece of paper and let them make some patterns with the wheels. This may be one of our baby activities that leads right into bath time!

Dance In The Kitchen

Your infant will feel closer to you, and you will be able to fight off the fatigue of a milky all-nighter by releasing the endorphins that are a byproduct of dancing. Get up and dance around the kitchen to your favourite tunes while you cook. Your health will quickly improve.

Use Sound Toys To Play

There are moments when even the best toys can't compete. These are probably noisy, flashy, and potentially annoying to parents because they are intended for infants and toddlers.

Take A Bath

No one should feel obligated to take a bath before bed. If you know that giving your infant a bath is soothing, you can employ this technique any time your child becomes agitated. A trip to the pool is guaranteed to put everyone in a better mood thanks to the combination of the refreshing water and the change of scenery.

Picnic In The Garden Or In The Lounge

Babies naturally want to discover their surroundings. They may even refuse to utilise a high chair at times. Now that the weather is pleasant, spread out a rug in the backyard and put some appetisers within easy reach. What's to prevent you from having a picnic in your living room if the British summertime lets you down?

Pop Them In A Cardboard Box!

We don't think you should put them away until they're over the teething and colicky stages. The good news is that if you've recently received a package and happen to have a cardboard box lying around, you now have a ready-made toy that will make your baby's day. Put them inside with some of their favourite playthings, and you can relax with a cup of tea.

Read A Book

When it comes to reading to infants, there is no age too young. Newborns and infants have a special fondness for board books that are textured in a variety of ways. They'll quickly develop preferences, and the moment you pull out a new one, the excitement is palpable. Don't forget to leave the babysitter with these go-to snacks while you enjoy some much-needed adult time.

Blow Raspberries

You may be tempted to advise your baby not to do this, but in this stage of their development, it is perfectly acceptable to nuzzle up to their squishy stomach and let out a hearty raspberry. They will squeal with excitement and guffaw in imitation soon enough.

Paper Scrunch

If you've ever observed a young child receiving a gift, you know that the wrapping paper is frequently more exciting to them than the actual product. Take advantage of this by entertaining baby with some crumpled up paper. Keep an eye on them though, because gummy sucks tend to tear paper, and be prepared to replace it.

Look At Photos

Babies find the human face irresistible, especially when it's the face of someone they already know and love. Explore old photo albums and describe the people and events shown.

Check out our range of playmats for baby nursery here. 

Serve Them A Spoon And Bake

Get the little one in the kitchen and bake as soon as possible if that's something you enjoy doing. Rolling, mixing, or even just pounding a pot next to you, they can "help." They're training to become your sous chef now!

Home activities for babies don't have to break the bank or be overly involved. The time has come for some low-key fun. Babies benefit greatly from sensory activities as they begin to discover the world around them. Have a great time and keep going till you get to bed.

Therefore, when you do get some chunks of time when your baby is content, awake, fed, and diapered, what are some activities that you may do with your baby?

• Follow your child's lead. This is a reasonable place to begin. Keep an eye on her interests and pursue them. If your baby reacts to a certain noise, such as a rattle, by looking in that direction, you should try to replicate that noise.
• Imitate your child's communication. Communication between carers and infants is crucial to the development of the child's linguistic skills. When your baby cries, you return the affection by cooing at them. A baby waves at you, and you return the gesture.
• Engage with your child. Newborns are fascinated by people's faces. There's a chance your infant will find comfort in gazing into yours. Communicating with your baby effectively includes making and maintaining eye contact. Communicate with your infant by looking them in the eyes and talking to them when you are face to face. A question: "Are you aware of the breeze? Sure, it is a sunny day. Your infant may not grasp the words at first, but they will pick up on your tone. And your baby will learn to associate what she hears with its meaning as she listens to you talk.
• Get down on your baby's level. Spread down a quilt and get down on the floor with your infant, providing stimulating floor play with toys and mirrors.
• Improve your baby's neck strength. Provide brief periods of tummy time when your infant gains neck control to aid in the development of strong trunk, neck, and arm muscles. It may be uncomfortable for some infants to spend a lot of time on their bellies. You can start with as little as a minute and work your way up to several minutes. Keep a watchful eye on your baby at all times, and if she seems tired, place her on her back in the cot.
• Read to your baby. Tuck your infant into your lap and read a board book to him or her. Name the objects depicted in the book by pointing to them.
• Inspire your baby's sense of wonder. Give your child stimulating visual, tactile, and olfactory stimulation. Give your baby the opportunity to explore different textures by offering a variety of surfaces for tummy time (a quilt one day, the carpet the next). Provide examples ("this quilt is softer than the carpet..."). Let's have a chat about what we've got.
• Add the baby to your daily activities. Show your child the things you use in your daily life as you go about them and teach him their names as you go. This is our dog's bed.") Additionally, the dishware is kept here. As We look around, we notice dishes and cutlery. Although you can feel awkward at first, speaking to your child is an important step in helping him or her develop language skills.
• Realise when it's time to hold your kid. A certain amount of "holding" time is required for each child. Some people want to have many options, while others would rather have fewer. Pay attention to your kid and act accordingly to their preferences.
• Make some music with your baby. Your youngster will appreciate hearing your voice whether or not you think you have a good singing voice by singing simple songs or reciting rhymes you recall from your own childhood.
• Involve your sibling(s). Bring your newborn into the daily activities of older children. For everyone involved, this creates a unique and amazing experience. Babies are normally most interested in their older brothers and sisters.

Keep in mind that you and your kid can play whenever you choose. Singing, talking, and interacting are particularly beneficial when you are performing fundamental caregiving tasks like holding, feeding, washing, and changing diapers.

Most importantly, remember that you and your newborn will both be going through a period of adjustment. Don't stress too much, and make an effort to appreciate this one-of-a-kind period in your life.

Conclusion

Stimulating, educational, and bonding activities can benefit you and your child. Infants develop at varying rates and may be more or less ready for specific tasks. Keep trying until you and your spouse find what works for everyone. Your newborn may play with hard or calming toys. Playing with language helps babies become fluent.

My Baby Nursery sells many baby play mats. Given the benefits of infant massage, attending one of the many baby massage programmes nationwide is time well spent. Making salt dough hands and footprints with your kids is a fun way to create lasting memories. Make edible finger paint so kids can get messy while painting. In the first few months, babies grow best on their tummies.

Singing and talking can help your baby roll over and play. Even if you're not talented, kids enjoy your voice. If you know, bathing calms your baby, employ it when they complain. Why not dance while cooking? The pool's tranquilly and refreshing water can cheer anyone up.

It doesn't take much to entertain your infant at home. First, relax. Sensory exercises teach babies about their world. Next, distract the baby with crumpled paper. When your baby can hold their head up, give them brief tummy time to build their trunk, neck, and arm muscles.

Hold your infant and read a board book. Give your child stimulating sight, touch, and scent experiences. Regularly speaking to your youngster helps develop language. Singing, talking, and interacting with the receiver make holding, feeding, bathing, and diapering more enjoyable. Remember that you and your baby will transition.

Content Summary

• You already know how important it is to play with a newborn, engaging in stimulating, educational, and bonding activities with your child.
• For this reason, we put up this helpful resource, which details things to do with infants and toddlers from birth to age 2.
• Don't be afraid to wing it until you devise a solution that works for you and your partner.
• There are moments when life with a newborn feels ordinary, and then there are others when it feels like a fairy tale.
• We have compiled a list of things to do at home with newborns to help you pass the time or make those times more magical and less routine.
• Some of the ideas for engaging your baby's senses and having fun with your baby that you'll find below may surprise you.
• All of your baby's growth, learning, and health can be attributed to his or her playing time.
• Tummy time is one of the first forms of play your infant will experience.
• Before a baby's language skills can flourish, they need extensive interaction with others.
• If you need infant toys, a quick trip to the mall will leave you with a significantly lighter wallet.
• Your child can learn about different textures by playing with some extra dough.
• Babies and bubbles are the missing pieces of a puzzle.
• Watch your baby's face light up with joy as you blow bubbles past its nose and mouth.
• This baby-friendly sensory game is perfect for your little one to squish and squelch.
• Make edible finger paint so they can still get their hands dirty while painting.
• The importance of belly time for babies cannot be overstated, especially in the early stages of their development.
• A child reaches an age where the peek-a-boo game never fails to elicit a round of giggling laughs and toothy grins.
• Learn the moves to some old favourites like "Wind the Bobbin Up" and "The Wheels on the Bus."
• Put them in a basket, and your baby will have a blast learning about the world through touch and sight.
• Get up and dance around the kitchen to your favourite tunes while you cook.
• No one should feel obligated to take a bath before bed.
• If you know bathing, your infant is soothing, you can employ this technique whenever your child becomes agitated.
• You should not put them away until they're over the teething and colicky stages.
• Put them inside with some of their favourite playthings, and you can relax with a cup of tea.
• When it comes to reading to infants, there is no age too young.
• Take advantage of this by entertaining the baby with some crumpled-up paper.
• The time has come for some low-key fun.
• Have a great time, and keep going till you get to bed.
• Imitate your child's communication. Communication between carers and infants is crucial to developing the child's linguistic skills.
• Communicating with your baby effectively includes making and maintaining eye contact.
• Please communicate with your infant by looking them in the eyes and talking to them when you are face to face.
• Improve your baby's neck strength.
• Provide brief periods of tummy time when your infant gains neck control to aid in developing strong trunk, neck, and arm muscles.
• Tuck your infant into your lap and read a board book to them.
• Give your child stimulating visual, tactile, and olfactory stimulation.
• Add the baby to your daily activities.
• Realise when it's time to hold your kid.
• A certain amount of "holding" time is required for each child.
• Please pay attention to your kid and act accordingly to their preferences.
• Make some music with your baby.
• Bring your newborn into the daily activities of older children.
• Most importantly, remember that you and your newborn will both undergo a period of adjustment.
• Don't stress too much, and make an effort to appreciate this one-of-a-kind period in your life.