Sometimes it is hard to remember that our infants need attention in the form of play, just as our toddlers do. I had a lot of time to play with Cora when she was an only child, but I wasn’t sure what to do. I have built up a whole slew of ideas for Benson via the Bright Beginnings Program at the nearby hospital, our pediatrician, friends, family, and my brain! I discovered most of them through trying different things.
Notice that we have different clothes on in some of the videos. That is because we couldn’t get through all of the games in one play session, because Benson showed me signs of being tired or nearing overstimulation. Please ensure you take your baby’s cues as to when they are ready to disengage.
Cues include: furrowing of the brow, changes in skin color to pale or bright red, changes in breathing (from slow and regular to fast and choppy), changing gestures from smooth to jerky or tremor-like, looking away from you, or becoming drowsy.
**If you have new ideas for activities, please email me.
I already started another post with new ideas.
Here 10 ways to interact with your tiny bundle:
1) Once your baby’s neck and back are a little stronger (approximately 3 months), help him or her sit up. Hold baby’s hands or under the arms and gently twist him or her back and forth.
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2) Toss a blanket on and off of your baby. Depending on their mood, they might even give you a giggle when they feel the air rush by them.
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3) Make silly faces at your baby, like a simple “O” with your mouth, or a tighter “o” and see if he or she copies you. They will eventually! Toddlers like it, too! 🙂
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4) Tickle your baby’s body: feet all the way up to his or her head.
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5) Sing to your baby and tap on their leg, arm, or belly to the rhythm.
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6) Repeat your baby’s noises to him or her as if you are having a conversation.
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7) “Exercise” your baby’s arms and legs. You can even make up a silly song to go with it.
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8) Recite the State of the Union Address… NO! I was kidding! That’s not fun!
8) Point out specific toys to your baby and either brush the toy against the baby, or use his or her hand to feel it. You can say, “You are feeling the teddy bear. The teddy bear is soft and fuzzy! Do you like the teddy bear?”
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9) Start up above baby, slowly lower yourself to kiss him and go back up the starting position. You can also add a little tickle in between. Repeat!
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10) Fly Your Plane (Gymboree) – ensure your baby’s neck is strong enough to hold up his or her head for about 30 seconds.
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The important thing is that your baby is knows that he or she is important enough for you to talk to, play with, and engage with! It is so precious to see a smile slowly grow on an infant, isn’t it?
How many smiles can you get from your little one today?
Resources:
Mom 365: Reading Your Newborn’s S.O.S.
Secrets of Baby Behavior: Too Much Fun: Preventing Overstimulation in Infants and Toddlers
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