Ways to Play with a Newborn Baby

When you bring a baby home from the hospital, most of his or her day is spent eating, sleeping and filling the diaper. While your newborn is awake, he or she is processing everything visible. Your baby can only see between eight and twelve inches when you bring him or her home. As your baby lays or sits awake, it is important to stimulate your baby by playing with your newborn. How can you play with a newborn when he or she can barely see?

One of the games both of my children liked to play was "The Itsy Bitsy Spider." As I recited the nursery rhyme, I made the hand gestures near their faces. When it rained, my fingers would wiggle down until I tickled them. This game helped them develop visual and audio senses, as well as touch. They also "discovered" their hands much sooner than some infants.

Another tickling game they liked was "This Little Piggy." Touching, seeing and tickling stimulates the newborn. He or she becomes aware of their surroundings more quickly. Your child will coo or laugh in approval, and you will know you did your job.

Other ways to stimulate a newborn baby with play is to read. As you read, change your voice for the different characters. Baby will be stimulated by the sound of your voice. Be sure to show your newborn the pictures in the book. Talk to your baby about what is being read. The more you talk to and around your baby, the more likely they are to learn vocabulary quickly and talk to you.

Use mobiles and toys to play with a newborn baby. When your baby first comes home, he or she may have problems holding and grasping things. Bigger toys are recommended for baby because they are easier for baby to hold and are not a choking hazard. Always make sure a toy is safe for your newborn.

Use rattles to stimulate your baby. The loud noise and sudden movement will catch baby's attention. Give the rattle to your baby and help the little fingers hold it. Your newborn will explore it, and it will make noise. The noise will cause baby to become more interested in the toy and your baby will "discover" the rattle and how it works.

A few other ways to play with your newborn baby include singing, reading and playing games. Remember to start playing close to baby's face. Playing with your baby stimulates your baby's senses and helps your child develop properly. Enjoy spending time with your baby as your newborn develops and delights in playing with you.