What To Do When Your Newborn Is Awake: Play Ideas

There's arguably nothing better than cuddling your newborn baby. But after a long cuddle session, it's just as fun to get some playtime in, too! Playing with your baby is important for them not only to learn more about their environment but also to develop emotional intelligence and social skills. 

When your baby is a newborn, you may be thinking, "How exactly do I play with them?" It's a valid question, as I asked myself the same thing when I had my first child. They spend most of their time eating, sleeping, or pooping, so how can you possibly squeeze in playtime? 

Rest assured, you can absolutely play with your newborn. You won't be chasing after each other just yet, but you can enjoy a perfectly stimulating playtime session without getting too rowdy. Not sure how? Continue reading for some exciting playtime ideas. 

When Can I Start Playing With My Baby?

When you think of play, you may think of little girls and boys playing with their Barbies and dinosaurs. While that is sure to be your sweet baby when they grow up, they need a much simpler way to play! But when your baby is a newborn, how exactly can they play?

Well, their play isn't so much about what they do but more about what you do with them. Most of their play is just spending time with one of their favorite people on earth. You! 

Now that you know that it is mostly you putting in the work, what exactly can you do to keep your baby busy throughout the day? Here are some great ideas to keep your baby entertained:

Tummy Time

While you don't have to start tummy time as soon as your baby is born, you definitely can! Your baby may cry and protest, but tummy time is good for the development of their shoulder and neck muscles. This will teach your baby to lift their head and hold it steady. 

Do Laundry Together

What better way to bond with your baby than to have them help you fold laundry? They won't be doing the folding, of course, but they can spend time with you while you fold! Plop them beside you on the bed or in their bassinet and make it fun. Wave colored towels near them, play peek-a-boo, anything you can think of to keep your baby busy while still getting household chores done! 

Dance Together

Babies spend nine months in the womb being rocked every which way, and they come to love the constant motion! You may have noticed that your little one enjoys being held and walked around out of the womb, too. Dancing together is a great way to spend time with your baby and keep them happy! 

You can use this time to get things done or just as a way to bond with your baby! Keeping them bopping to some music can be helpful for walking around and picking up toys, blankets, or anything else that needs to be done while simultaneously fulfilling their needs.

Read Out Loud

Before your baby can even dream of talking, they are absorbing the information they need to do so. Listening to you read books to them is the building block they need to help increase brain activity and vocabulary. 

Sing a Song

If there is anything that your baby loves most in the world, it's the sound of their parents' voice. Singing to your baby is a great way to bond, and they won't tell you to quit your day job! 

A pro tip from a seasoned parent is to do this while you sneak in a shower. Put your baby's bassinet or swing in the bathroom with you and sing as you shower. Between this and peaking out to check on your baby every minute or so for a game of peek-a-boo, your baby should be satisfied enough for you to get clean without any crying. 

Relax

Keep in mind that you don't need to keep your baby busy every moment that their eyes are open. Too much activity can cause your baby to become overstimulated, and this can lead to restlessness and difficulty settling down. After a fun play session with your baby, feel free to cuddle them close and enjoy some snuggles to help you both unwind. 

Alternatively, feel free to place your baby in a safe spot, such as their bassinet, so that you can give yourself some "me" time. This could be taking a quick shower, eating a nutritious meal, or anything else you want or need to get done during this time. 

Jot Down Activity Ideas with Baby Connect

If you're anything like me, you come up with ideas on what to do with your baby, just to forget about it the following week. Writing down ideas on what to do with your baby can help you decide on what activities to partake in so that you aren't scratching your chin. Additionally, this can help you get any supplies you need to prepare the activities for the upcoming week! 

Playing with your baby is one of the greatest joys as a parent. When they can interact with you and smile that first gummy smile, there is nothing more heartwarming. That's why many parents choose to document as much of their baby's lives as they can! 

Baby Connect is an innovative app created with the busy parent in mind. In this app, you can conveniently track your baby's feeding schedule and diaper changes and even write down any notes for things you want to remember. With such an easy-to-navigate app, why would you use anything else? 

Try Baby Connect for free today.