What are you supposed to do with a newborn during their wake/play time? What kinds of activities will stimulate his brain without making him so stimulated that he won't sleep? He loves to be held....he's usually pretty happy if he's in someone's arms...but I'm trying to think of things to do with him while he's awake. He loves to stretch his arms and legs and just look around but that only lasts for about 3 minutes unless I'm right there giving him my undivided attention. :)
All of you have had a newborn at one point....what are some "activities" we can do in the next 3 months while he's so little that will help with brain development & have it be something he actually enjoys while he's awake and alert?
11 comments:
I used to sing songs with Abbie and use her arms and legs to do the movements...Wheels on the Bus, Itsy Bitsy Spiker, etc. You could also try a very, very low setting on the swing (if I ever bring it over to you!) with the mobile going for him to look at. There is a Baby Einstein video that is for 0-6 months that has lots of colors and beautiful music that he might like as well.
T.V.
Just kidding....kind of.....
Songs and just talking to him. They say talking and having music on stimulates them. They also are starting to find (recent studies) that t.v. before 1 is leading to autism as well so be careful of how many videos you put him in front of. There isn't much you can do, in my opinion. Your faces will probably be one of the only things he get excited over! You're doing great- just love that he sits there and is sort of still..... it ends, quick
Hurry up Ali! The swing is awesome and such a life saver! I had one that has birds and flashing lights/colors and played different music. My babies loved this one! Also the bouncy chairs that vibrate and rock are good too. I used these while I did stuff around the house and the babies could watch....a little.
I moved the babies around and left them to see stimulating colors and to hear what was going on. I usually moved the baby from room to room with me as I worked and moved around. I hung up bright colored packages around the crib, too. Ask Wes how that worked for him!
Love the pictures!
Doreen
This is a time to hold him, talk to him sing to him. Once he starts focusing in on things you can dangle a toy and let him track it. They love to just watch your fingers moving up above them. Ali's suggestion of moving his arms and legs to actions is great. Zeke prefers the bouncy chair over the swing but every child is different. Just enjoy him he won't stay little and cuddly for long.
This was so hard for me to get used to as before babies, you are going a hundred miles a minute and now you get to take walks and smell the flowers and look at the brids, etc. I found this website that actually gives a couple of games each week that help with development, and they are made from stuff around the house. Babycenter.com is the site. You register your babies age and then they send you an email every week or something and they have tons of fun stuff. I never really liked the bouncers or swings as I can't imagine always having to be moving. I like to lay on the floor with my baby and just talk, read stories (novels, scriptures, anything) out loud. The baby likes to hear your voice, and reading to your baby has been proven that it helps with neuron connections, etc. This is great as you get to do something for you and it keeps him entertained. Also, remember to do tummy time, even if the baby cries. I didn't do that with Haylee and she had a harder time sitting at an early age. And once they can sit, life gets a lot better, cause they can play with toys in front of them. Check out the site and you can get tons of ideas.
Good Luck and enjoy... Addilyn climbs into my shower everyday now... so this is the FUN that you have to look foward to. :)
Not that I know too much yet, but from nannying, here are the few things I thought of...I was going to suggest tummy time also, although, I don't know how soon you can start that (since they kind of have to be able to hold their heads up, etc.). If you have a Boppy, you can set him in it on his stomach. The other thing I love are the Baby Einstien CD's....Not just the DVD's. They sell them at Target, and they are so fun and engaging, even just as background music. Good luck!
You know, Tina is right! You know what they say...the older the wiser (heehee just kidding!)
I think as crazy as it sounds(right now), this is the time to relax and cuddle. This is such a short time and as soon as they desire to move....you'll never sit down again! Relax and rest, sit and enjoy this rather peaceful time, it just get's busier, a lot busier! Save the gourmet cooking, the deep cleaning housework and all that stuff for later...you have a precious newborn to enjoy!
My kids took showers with me by the time they were a month old. Zeke loves shower time with Critter.
I saw someone already posted something on Tummy Time..but I'll suggest that too..I already have started tummy time with Lauren (tonight actually) and she did just great. I used her hospital blanket (or Boppy) and folded it up so she had support..and she lifted her head up trying to look around =0)I've read it helps with head support and when they are learning to sit up. Also, the Baby Einstein dvds are great. When Nate is older I would recommend Baby Neptune & Baby McDonald..those seem to be the most popular.
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