Welcome to the incredible journey of parenthood! These early months are filled with so much wonder and discovery—for both you and your baby. Below, you’ll find simple and loving ways to encourage your baby’s development and bonding. Each activity is designed to nurture their growth in five key areas: seeing and looking, hearing and talking, touching and feeling, movement, and motor development.
An important Reminder: Babies can become overstimulated. If your little one turns away, starts fussing, or looks agitated, that’s their way of saying they need a break. Pause, speak gently, and help them return to a calm state.
1. Seeing and Looking
What Your Baby is Learning:
From birth, your baby begins exploring the world through their eyes. During these months, they’re learning to focus, especially on faces. They’re also starting to follow the movement and notice contrasts in their environment.
Activities to Support This:
- Your Face: Your face is your baby’s favourite thing to look at! Hold your baby about 20 cm away—this is the perfect distance for them to focus. Smile, make eye contact, and talk softly. This not only helps their vision but also builds trust and emotional bonding.
- Bright Clothing: Wear bold, bright colours or clothing with high contrast (like stripes). It naturally catches your baby’s eye and encourages them to focus.
- Mobiles: Hang a simple, bold mobile where your baby spends time, such as above a changing table or near a play mat (not above their crib). Look for mobiles that are black, white, or red, with slow movement or soft sounds. Place them about 20-30 cm from your baby’s face.
- Focus Practice: Move a toy with strong contrast (like black, white, or red) slowly in front of your baby’s face. This helps them practice following objects with their eyes.
- Natural Light: Spend time in well-lit areas of your home. Natural light and shadows can stimulate your baby’s visual curiosity.
2. Hearing and Talking
What Your Baby is Learning:
Your baby has been listening to your voice even before birth. In these first months, they’ll start to recognize it and respond by turning toward sounds, widening their eyes, stopping sucking, or even smiling. This is the beginning of their language and communication skills!
Activities to Support This:
- Quiet Spaces: Keep your baby in a calm, quiet environment during interactions. Too much background noise can make it harder for them to focus on your voice.
- Sing-Song Voice: Babies love high-pitched, sing-song tones. Try speaking gently or singing—it helps them tune into you and strengthens your bond.
- Read and Sing: Start with short, simple books or nursery rhymes. Hearing your voice helps build language skills and creates a comforting routine.
- Sound Toys: Use toys that make soft, simple sounds, like rattles or crinkly fabrics. Shake them gently to encourage your baby to turn toward the sound.
- Conversation Practice: When your baby coos or makes sounds, respond back as if you’re having a conversation. Imitate their noises, use exaggerated facial expressions, and take turns—this helps lay the foundation for communication.
3. Touching, Feeling, and Holding
What Your Baby is Learning:
Your baby learns so much about their world through touch. They explore by feeling your skin, grasping your finger, and experiencing different textures. By the end of this stage, they may begin to bring their hands together or hold small objects briefly.
Activities to Support This:
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Hold your baby close to your chest. This not only soothes them but also strengthens your bond and makes them feel secure.
- Soft Surfaces: Let your baby explore a variety of textures—like soft blankets, muslin cloths, or a cozy swaddle.
- Baby Massage: Gently massage your baby’s arms, legs, back, and tummy with a little baby-safe oil or lotion. This provides comfort and helps them become aware of their body.
- Bath Time: Introduce water as a new sensation. The warmth and gentle movement of the water can be both calming and stimulating for your baby.
- Toys for Touch: Offer safe, textured toys or rattles for your baby to hold, swipe at, or explore. These encourage movement and hand awareness.
- Hands to Midline: Gently bring your baby’s hands together in front of their chest. This helps them discover their hands and begins the process of eye-hand coordination.
4. Movement and Motor Development
What Your Baby is Learning:
In these early months, your baby is building strength and control. At first, they’ll only briefly lift their head, but over time, they’ll push up on their arms during tummy time and hold their head steady when sitting with support.
Activities to Support This:
- Rocking and Swaying: Gently rock your baby in your arms or sway side to side. This motion is soothing and helps them become aware of their body in space.
- Carrying Your Baby: Hold your baby close as you move around the house. The gentle motion and closeness help with body awareness and emotional bonding.
- Lifting and Tilting: While supporting their head, gently tilt your baby in different directions. This encourages head control and spatial awareness.
- Tummy Time: Place your baby on their tummy for short periods several times a day. This strengthens their neck, shoulders, and back. Start with just a minute or two and gradually increase as they get stronger.
- Back Lying: Place your baby on their back to encourage free movement of their arms and legs. This helps build core strength and coordination.
- Side Lying: Lay your baby on their side with support. This position encourages them to bring their hands together and practice rolling.
Enjoy These Moments!
Every baby grows at their own pace, so celebrate the little milestones along the way. Your love, presence, and playful interactions are the most important part of their development. Trust your instincts, follow their cues, and treasure these early days. 💕
Special thanks to Occupational Therapist Kate Baily and her work, Making Sense of My World.