Life at home with a newborn can be challenging. Once you get past all the feeding, diaper, and sleep issues, there are times when the baby may actually be awake and ready for something to do! I always feel horrible mommy guilt when my little one is wide awake and yet I try to put him in my wrap or his swing so I can try to get things done around the house. Of course, there are times when things must be done, but if I am ready to play, too, then the question becomes, "What can I do with a new baby?" Here are a few ideas!

1. Lap games.Games like "peek-a-boo" and "this little piggie" are wonderful ways to interact with baby. Other fun games include "patty cake," "sooooo big," and "the itsy-bitsy spider."


2. Infant massage. Infant massage has many benefits for both parents and baby, not the least of which is that touch helps parents and children to bond. Jenn previously reviewed one of her favorite books on infant massage.


3. Take a bath. Like with infant massage, baths allow for lots of touch between parents and baby. Water also often calms infants, and the time spent bathing can be a great chance for parent-child eye contact and conversation.


4. Go on a "safari." None of my boys have ever been willing to just sit somewhere for very long. They always want to look around and see new things. (My dad has compared them to Johnny-5 in the movie Short Circuit as he yells "Input! Input!") To help quench this thirst for knowledge, we go on a safari. This involves simply walking around the house with the baby in a position to see everything going on. We talk about all the things we see, whether it is a kitty, Daddy making dinner, or a tree outside the window.


5. Take pictures or videos. When I am at the end of my ideas for things to do with my little one, we oftentimes pull out the camera. Not only do I get a lot of interaction with the baby as I try to get a smile out of him, I get a lot of wonderful keepsakes, too! In September, I reviewed some of my favorite how-to books for taking pictures of kids.


6. Have a "conversation." This is one of my current favorites. Taking time to talk with your baby is a great way to teach them about the flow of conversations. My baby and I have a lot of conversations while we change diapers. I say something to him and then wait quietly for him to respond. Sometimes it takes a little while for him to respond, but once he does, I am sure to smile and talk more. We continue our back and forth for as long as he is willing.


7. Sing. Babies do not care how well their parents sing, but they do love to hear their voices! Songs can be anything you like, from Raffi favorites to The Beatles.


8. Dance. Dancing is a great way to get both mom and baby some exercise, and research has shown that babies first begin to recognize the beats and rhythms in music from rocking and dancing with their parents. Again, the music doesn’t matter, just as long as you are both having fun; we here love Billy Joel and Barenaked Ladies!


9. Read. Study upon study has documented the importance of reading to children, and the benefits start building at birth. Reading is a great way to improve baby’s language skills and spend time together.


10. Snuggle. Snuggling can be easily incorporated into many of these other activities. However, just taking the time to be in the moment with the baby, looking each other over, smiling, holding hands... it definitely has a value all its own.

What do you love to do with your baby? - Sara I.