Now that my newborn son is finally asleep, I would like to throw out suggestions for some things you can do with your new baby! I realized that this is an issue for some people and especially new fathers. You can hold the baby, but what else can you really do with a newborn?
1. Read: I am constantly reading to my 8 week old son. When I’ve read all the children’s books that I can handle, I read him news articles and novels. I can tell that he is beginning to see better and he seems to finally enjoy looking at the pictures in children’s books, so I now include more stories with elaborate illustrations.
2. Look at Pictures with High Contrasting Patterns: You’re probably already aware that newborns only see clearly objects and faces that are 8 to 12 inches from their eyes. Also, they have difficulty distinguishing between colors that are similar like red and orange. Therefore, babies tend to enjoy looking at black and white pictures. You don’t even have to purchase them if you don’t have any; simply look them up on the internet! I go to Youtube and search for “black and white infant stimulation” to get slide shows of high contrasting patterns. My son loves them!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52P6cQneG4M or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFKYQdIer08
3. Mommy and Baby Exercises: I’m almost back to my normal weight after having my son, but I need to tighten things up so to speak. So, I do exercises that my infant can participate in. When I do push-ups, I lay him down on a blanket below me so that I can kiss his cheeks each time I go down. I hold him when I do squats and his favorite thing is what I call the “airplane”. I lay on my back and put him on my legs and move my legs back and forth. Youtube has videos available for ideas regarding other exercises you can do with your infant.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUaEA3Yn25w or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zYLxBOIwHQ
4. Take a Walk: Many babies seem to enjoy being outside and a little sunshine is good for them. So, if it is a nice day out, go for a walk. Babies usually like being strolled and the sun normally improves your mood.
5. Do Baby Crafts: There are craft ideas out there that you can do with your newborn such as making a mold of their hands and/or feet or using hand and foot prints to create something. Admittedly, mothers probably enjoy this more than babies, but you can make something that you’ll both cherish and it is a nice way to spend time with your child.
http://theimaginationtree.com/2011/06/salt-dough-footprint-keepsakes.html
6. Talk and Sing Songs: My son really likes it when he is talked to or sung to. We’re partial to songs that you can move with like “The Wheels on the Bus”. When I sing about how “the people on the bus go up and down”, I bounce him up and down. When I sing about the mommies on the bus, I put my finger over my mouth to say, “sshh, sshh, sshh”, etc.
7. Learn Baby Sign Language: I don’t know about everyone else, but I look forward to the day when my son can communicate to me what he wants without crying. That is a good reason to begin teaching your baby some simple signs. Again, I found helpful videos on Youtube for learning useful signs for babies.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FVRZTN0ay-M or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MivLxcxJ-V4
8. Nap Together: It can be pretty draining learning the habits of your newborn. Therefore if you are able, take a nap with him or her. You’ll both feel better and the closeness encourages proper bonding, so it is a win-win.
I love babies, but as a new parent, the tasks get pretty redundant. It helps me to go down a list of activities that I can do with my son and I hope this helps you as well!
allaboutmanners
Reblogged this on allaboutmanners.
A Wee Nest
One thing to keep in mind is that newborns get overstimulated really easily, which can make them craaanky. I made that mistake in the beginning. I thought I wasn’t doing enough with our newborn in the way of activities, turns out I was doing too much (and definitely over-thinking it). They are learning (and are entertained) in those first several weeks just by watching you go about your daily activities, especially if you wear your baby. Having said that, I think incorporating daily activities (in small doses) is important not just for baby, but also for Mamas, as they help to keep things interesting (especially if you’re new to being a stay at home mom, like I was), and with bonding.
heatherinbadweather
I thought over-stimulation was a joke at first, but I think my baby has gotten overstimulated a few times too. I think I’m a bit paranoid about not doing enough to bond. By the way, we don’t do every one of these things everyday; it’s just a list of things to do if we feel like we need something to do. Thank you for the comment!
A Wee Nest
It’s a great list–thanks for posting!
goroundround
9. Dance with your baby
I spent many hours dancing around the house with our first child. Partly to calm her down and get her to fall asleep – she was a fussy infant and partly because she enjoyed it when she was awake.
10. Take pictures of your baby
They are pretty cute even when they are sprawled out in bed or on the floor. Might as well take a picture to use when bragging about how cute your kid is!
heatherinbadweather
Those are also great things to do with your baby. I didn’t think to add them to my list
healthylivinghealthyus
Love your blog!!!! I nominated you for the Liebster Blogging Award You deserve it. Check the link: http://healthylivinghealthyus.com/2013/08/20/liebster-award/
heatherinbadweather
Thank you! That means a lot to me. I’m so glad you enjoyed my blog!
Jacqueline
Napping quickly became a favorite for me and my son! Love all the links, especially the baby sign language. I need to try that. Thanks for posting!
sequinsandnappies
I spent many hours with my newborn in his pram walking. He’s almost one and still loves being outside and if he gets really cranky I still chuck him in his pram and off to the park we go.
rogerunited
Off topic, but I came over from your comment on anotherdayanothermom. Your’s is the only sane comment on that post, kudos, your children will turn out much better than hers.
heatherinbadweather
Thank God someone else out there agrees with me. I feel sorry for her son because he is going to be SO confused throughout his life. You can see why the world is so messed up when you read some of these blogs. Thank you for your response; its a relief to me.
rogerunited
Most people agree with you. Its only a minority who think what this woman is doing is right. Unfortunately, that minority seems to control the public discourse. keep speaking out against evil.
Buckets Of Earth
Reblogged this on amybuckets.