Newborn Baby Activities: Tummy time and play

Your new baby is interacting with you all the time: cooing, gurgling and smiling when she sees your face and he ars your voice. Here are some ways to make play time together even more fun.

Hit the floor

To make this activity more interesting, place a colourful toy in front of her. She won't be able to grab it yet, but all the bright, bold colours are fun to look at. Toys with music and lights are entertaining too, but be careful about over-stimulating your baby. She's still very young, so introduce things slowly and watch for her reaction.

Get in her face

At this stage, your baby may start to be intrigued by mirrors. Attach an unbreakable mirror to your baby's cot so she can look at her own face. As the two of you are looking into the mirror, talk to her and point at her eyes, ears, nose and mouth.

Sing and move

Gently clap her hands together and recite or sing nursery rhymes. Your voice is the most important sound to your baby, and whatever you sing is music to her ears.

Reading

Go for books with high-contrast patterns and pictures, as those are easier for her to see. Tell her a story about the pictures.

Track the toy

Help your baby to focus her eyes by placing her on the floor and holding a toy about 25 cm (10 inches) above her head. Move it slowly from side to side and let her follow it with her eyes.

As you and your baby enjoy the fun and games, she's constantly developing and reaching milestones. Go baby go!