17 Baby Activities Every New Parent Should Try at Least Once
Playing with a newborn can feel tricky, especially when they’re so tiny and just getting used to the world. But even at this early stage, your baby is learning and growing every day.
Playtime isn’t just about fun—it’s an opportunity to bond, stimulate their senses, and encourage development. The activities don’t have to be elaborate; simple interactions often have the biggest impact.
Here are 17 activities to help you connect with your newborn and nurture their blossoming abilities.
Tummy Time
Lay your baby on their tummy for a few minutes at a time while they’re awake. This strengthens their neck, shoulders, and core muscles, helping them prepare for crawling.
Start small—just a minute or two—and increase as they grow more comfortable.
Gentle Massage
Give your baby a gentle massage with baby-safe lotion or oil. Soft strokes on their arms, legs, and back can relax them and improve their circulation.
It’s also a wonderful way to bond through touch.
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Black-and-White Cards
Babies are drawn to high-contrast patterns. Show them black-and-white picture cards or books to stimulate their developing vision.
This activity keeps them engaged and helps their eyes focus.
Mirror Time
Hold your baby in front of a mirror or place an unbreakable one nearby. Babies love looking at faces, and mirrors provide an intriguing way for them to observe expressions and movements.
Singing Songs
Sing lullabies or playful tunes to your baby. Your voice is soothing to them, and the rhythm and melody help develop their auditory skills.
Repetitive songs like “Twinkle, Twinkle” are especially engaging.
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Talking to Your Baby
Have conversations with your newborn, even if they can’t respond yet. Describe what you’re doing or narrate your day.
This helps them recognize your voice and introduces the basics of language.
Peek-a-Boo
Hide your face behind your hands or a blanket, then pop out with a big smile. Peek-a-boo helps babies develop an understanding of object permanence—the idea that things still exist even when they’re out of sight.
Textured Toys
Introduce your baby to toys with different textures, like soft fabrics or rubbery grips. These toys encourage sensory exploration and help them discover the world through touch.
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Dance With Your Baby
Hold your baby close and sway gently to music. The movement is calming, and the rhythm can help them develop a sense of balance and coordination over time.
Gentle Rocking
Place your baby in your arms and rock them gently. This rhythmic motion mimics the sensation of being in the womb, providing comfort and helping them relax.
Visual Tracking
Move a brightly colored object slowly in front of your baby’s eyes. They’ll try to follow it with their gaze, building their focus and hand-eye coordination.
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Baby Gym Play
Set up a baby play gym with hanging toys. Babies love batting at or grasping for objects, which strengthens their arm muscles and improves coordination.
Listening to Soft Music
Play gentle, calming music for your baby. Classical tunes or nature sounds can soothe them and stimulate their auditory senses.
Reading Books
Even newborns benefit from hearing stories. Choose books with bold images and simple words.
The sound of your voice creates a comforting environment for your baby.
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Exploring Scents
Introduce your baby to safe, pleasant scents like lavender or vanilla. Let them smell a fresh flower or a piece of fruit. This gently stimulates their sense of smell.
Playing with Rattles
Give your baby a soft rattle to shake. The sound captures their attention, and holding the rattle helps them practice gripping and movement.
Cuddling Skin-to-Skin
Spend time holding your baby skin-to-skin. This promotes bonding, regulates their body temperature, and helps calm them.
It’s especially comforting after feedings or before naps.
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