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Bringing home a newborn is such an exciting time! While it might seem like they’re too tiny for structured play, there are plenty of simple and fun ways to connect with your little one while supporting their growth. Here are some easy ways to interact with your baby.
Why play matters at this age
Even though your newborn may not seem like they’re playing just yet, engaging with them helps develop their senses and motor skills while strengthening your parent-child bond.
Research shows that early play encourages cognitive and social skills, and babies thrive on interaction. Simple things like making eye contact, responding to sounds, and touching them are all ways you’re helping them.
Choosing the right time and space
When selecting a spot for playtime, consider factors such as lighting, timing, and duration.
Natural light works wonders, keeping the atmosphere bright and keeping your baby alert. This will also help if your baby has their days and nights mixed up.
A soft mat or blanket on the floor is perfect for tummy time, and you’ll want something easy to clean for those inevitable messes.
Play sessions should be planned when your baby is awake and in a good mood. After a feeding is usually the perfect time, as research shows that babies are more receptive to new experiences at this stage.
Types of playful or engaging activities you could try
Tummy time
Tummy time is essential for helping your baby build the muscles needed for milestones like rolling, sitting, and crawling. You can start from just a few days old, gradually increasing the duration as your baby grows.
For more expert advice on tummy time, check out this helpful article on tummy time, with references from PubMed and the AAP.
Sensory play
Sensory experiences can be created using fabrics of different textures such as silk, cotton, and plush materials. Gently rub the fabric against your baby's skin, or you can guide their hands to touch the different materials, helping them explore through touch.
Squishy gel mats are another great option for sensory play - some even have moving objects inside, providing a visually stimulating and tactile experience.
Visual stimulation
Newborns are naturally drawn to high-contrast colours and patterns, making visual stimulation a great choice for playtime.
Hanging a mobile or holding a black-and-white patterned toy above their line of sight and moving it slowly to encourage tracking can help develop visual focus, improve attention span, and strengthen eye coordination.
Outside play
Taking your baby outside is a great way to expose them to fresh air and natural light, which helps regulate their sleep-wake cycle.
Activities such as going for a pram walk, tummy time on a blanket in the shade, or simply holding them while they observe the world around them. Daylight exposure helps regulate their circadian rhythm, improving nighttime sleep.
Mimicking facial expressions and sounds
A fun way to engage with your newborn is by mimicking their facial expressions and sounds. If they smile, smile back; if they coo or make sounds, try copying them. This back-and-forth interaction is key for developing social and communication skills. It’s a simple yet powerful way to help your baby start recognising and understanding social cues.
Incorporating music and sounds
Music can have both calming and stimulating effects on your baby. Singing lullabies, playing soft music, or using gentle instruments such as maracas or rattles can enhance auditory skills, introduce rhythm awareness, and promote early language development.
Understanding their cues for better playtime
The key to successful playtime is responding to your baby’s cues. If they smile and coo, it’s a sign they’re enjoying the activity, so keep going! But if they seem fussy or uninterested, it’s okay to try something different or give them a break.
Research in infant development supports the idea that responsive parenting (paying attention to and reacting appropriately to your baby’s signals) has a positive impact on their emotional, social, and cognitive growth.
How far can newborns see and hear?
Newborns can only see things that are really close to them, usually about 20 to 30 centimetres away. They're drawn to things with bold, contrasting colours and, of course, their parents' faces. Their hearing is pretty good right from the start, and they can pick out familiar voices - especially the parent's voices. Soothing sounds, like gentle talking or lullabies, really catch their attention and make them feel calm.
Are you finding it hard having a newborn? Their sleep, routine and exverything inebtwee,?
Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to sleep, routines, and everything in between. If you're feeling unsure or struggling with your baby’s cues, my Newborn Sleep Guide is here to help. It covers everything from settling a fussy baby, creating a routine, understanding sleep cycles, dealing with night waking, soothing techniques for a fussy baby, and so much more.
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance regarding your baby's health and well-being, Babee Dreams does not give medical advice.
Written by Alexandra Selekos I'm the founder of Babee Dreams, a certified sleep consultant and a mum of three. My approach is based on studies, training through The Sleep Consulting Academy, successful outcomes experienced by those who have used my methods and the instincts of a mother. My approach will help your baby achieve their best sleep, whilst always feeling reassured, loved and never neglected.