How do you play with a newborn?
From the moment the child is born they are bombarded with numerous stimuli. At this point in time they are curious about the world around them. Although newborns are too young to play with toys, still they need to be kept occupied especially during their wakeful periods. This stimulation helps their brain to develop well as well as makes them bond more with the parent. Following are some of the ways in which you can “play” with your newborn:-
Talking To Your Newborn Baby
A newborn starts responding to their parent’s voice from the moment they hear it. This leads to language development. Talking to the baby as often as possible like during feeding, changing diapers, or even while walking; listening to their responses and imitating them or reading out rhymes – all these capture the baby’s attention effectively and they respond too.
Stimulating The Sense Of Vision & Touch
Newborns are usually curious about whatever they see around them. They respond particularly well to toys with curves or symmetry. Different shapes like square, triangular, circle etc., bold patterns and contrasting colors [like black, red, white] also catch their attention. Touch experience like being cuddled, massaged or even tickled is very essential for the growth of the baby’s brain. The baby can also be made to touch materials of varied textures like silk, suede, velvet, fur etc. All these stimulate their sense of touch.
Making Faces
To a child their parent’s faces are one of the most intriguing objects. A parent making funny faces like sticking their tongue out, raise or lower eyebrows makes the baby want to imitate it thereby stimulating them.
Changing The Surrounding
A newborn has a short attention span. They easily get bored of their surroundings. Hence moving the baby from one interesting spot to another, taking them along during a walk to the nearest marketplace or park etc. gives them a lot to look at.
Adult Company
A child typically responds well to the company of an adult. Hence taking the child to a public place where strangers may stop by for a chat, making the child sit where many activities are going on or even keeping them beside while the parents watch television contribute effectively towards the mental stimulation of the child.
Play With Moving Objects
A newborn is curious about anything that moves around them. Toys can be tied to the roof of their crib. The parent may also take an object in their hand and move it slowly from right to left. All these develop the child’s sense of tracking a moving object.
Music
Music stimulates the baby’s auditory nerves like no other. Try using different genres of music to see their effect on the child. Babies naturally respond to music and hence it is effectively used to stimulate their brain as well as to soothe them if they are over stimulated or tired.
However,during such play, if the baby starts crying or is not able to concentrate, then they have been over stimulated and need rest.
