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Babies can be pretty simple to care for at first, which is nice because immediately after giving birth you’ll need to care for yourself more than usual. Although their needs are simple – eat, sleep, potty – that doesn't mean they are always in a good mood. We all know babies cry for various reasons and need time to adjust to their surroundings, but as new moms, trying to figure out what to do to entertain, soothe, and teach your baby are also top of mind. Activities that go beyond their basic physical needs are not often discussed at the hospital before being discharged.
Keeping up with the daily work of engaging a baby can be difficult, especially since their attention spans aren't all that long. Whether you decide to make up a schedule for your baby or just go with the flow of the day, there are a few additional things you can do to ensure your baby has the basic skills they need to develop — while having a little fun at the same time.
1. Explore from the car seat
Going for a walk outside or a drive can stimulate a baby's senses and give them some new scenery each day. I like to change up the neighborhood path that I walk around so that we see new and different views on every walk. By the time I’ve narrated what we see, stopped for breaks by the pond, and had some sun and fresh air, my son is usually ready for a nap on the way into the house. This also gives me time to listen to a podcast or audiobook if we just walk in quiet.
2. Save your pictures in a safe space
I’m sure you don’t need to be reminded to take photos of your little one multiple times a day. They change so quickly! I love to sit and scroll through my gallery every few weeks just to see how more mature my youngest looks now compared with when he was first born. Unfortunately, I’m notoriously slow with getting the pictures off of my phone and into a photo book. Luckily, companies like Shutterfly, BabyPage, and Minted make it easy to collect all the pictures and get the perfect book made of all my daily snaps.
3. Sing your own songs
I’ve had the best time finding new songs to sing to my babies, and while I don’t know that they enjoy my singing, they light up when they recognize the tune I've made up in my head. Instead of trying to remember every nursery rhyme I've heard as a kid, I have been creating my own songs based on what we’re doing that day. I use the same melody and just change out the words. It keeps my mind sharp while I’m out on maternity leave and makes the baby laugh at the same time. Creating a sensory environment and allowing your voice to soothe your child is great for helping them with their neural development.
4. Make a mess intentionally
Motor skills are one of the topics that your child's pediatrician will ask about and look for at each appointment. Those pincher fingers, while cute when grabbing for cereal and puffs, are a muscle babies need to work. Babies naturally play with their food, spill their bottles, and throw toys, so let them do it on purpose at times! With some supervision, you could even allow your baby to play with safe finger paint to feel and touch while expressing themselves and practicing their gross and fine motor skills.
5. Massage and stretch with baby
After all that tummy time, rolling over, twisting and turning, your baby might be worn out! Giving your child a short massage and stretching their legs and arms will feel so good to them. Using some massage or baby oil to rub on their bodies, especially before naptime or bedtime, will get them relaxed and ready to go straight to sleep, hopefully.
Make sure to check with your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns about the first few months with your adorable baby.
