We know that play is important for development, but what are the best ways to interact with a new baby? Find great advice here from moms and experts.
Red, white, and black
"It is postulated that newborns see the colors red, white, and black best and are most stimulated by objects and images that have patterns on them. The optimal focal point for a newborn is believed to be 12 to 15 inches from their eyes, so best to play with soft toys and objects with respect to these considerations."
— Dr. Matthew S. Cohen, board-certified pediatrician currently practicing in Long Beach, N.Y.
Tummy time
"Any interactions that promote eye contact, facial/verbal mirroring with a caregiver and tummy time are great."
— Erika Greenblatt-Torres, 19-year teaching veteran, social thinking clinical trainee, and mom of two
Make music
"We sing and dance with our baby every day. She loves any play that involves music."
— Cathlene Yapyuco Wong, mom of two
Stimulate their senses
"Visual cues even from my facial expressions seemed to nicely stimulate my babies during those first months, music and reading did too. I sang to them as I gently exercised their arms and legs while they would lay flat on an activity mat or in their crib."
— Johanna Torres, Mom.com editor and mom of three
Don't expect too much
"They won't be playing much because they will be too busy eating, pooping, and sleeping. Don't expect too much from a newborn. But anything that makes cute sounds and has lots of colors, seems to interest them, even if just for a moment."
— Erika Santos, mom of one
Play, laugh, repeat
"Keep talking to them and singing to them. Tickle the baby or play peekaboo. They crack up sometimes for silly things. Find that and repeat the play. It is so much fun to see them laugh like crazy."
— Anonymous, dad of two
The simpler, the better
"Singing, talking to them, touch of flowers and leaves. It sounds corny but the simpler, the better."
— Shazia, mom of two
Talk to them
"I think just mommy taking them out for evening walks is good. Also, babies observe a lot, so we can talk to them more, they will try to understand language. Teethers are a good pastime for babies."
— Mahati Ramya, mom of two
Play peekaboo
"Just seeing your face and patting their face will connect you. Peekaboo is fun for both."
— Ellen G., mom of two
*Disclaimer: The advice on Mom.com is not a substitute for consultation with a medical professional or treatment for a specific condition. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem without consulting a qualified professional. Please contact your health-care provider with questions and concerns.
