ACTIVITIES FOR 0 to 6 MONTH OLDS

We often get questions from parents of newborns who are frantically trying to find all the “right” activities to be doing with their little ones. Should we sign up for a swim class?? Music class?? How can I prepare my child to become the next Tiger Woods??!! The good news is, you can’t mess up too bad when they are so little. As long as they are getting the nourishment and rest that they need, being held and soothed when they need to be, getting in some independent time on the floor to start to work their muscles, having the opportunity to look closely at their caregivers face, hear their voice, etc. they are getting what they need.

Did they say Tiger Woods?

That being said, it’s nice as a new parent to have a toolkit of intentional activities (so named because they are performed with a certain goal in mind) to do with their new baby. Read on for our top tips….

1. TUMMY TIME: As far as movement and exercise is concerned, Tummy Time is probably the most important activity to do with your infant. If you can try to get a little bit of tummy time in during each wake period (maybe a little while after they have eaten so they have an opportunity to digest), you are doing great! But often, young babies don't like tummy time and they let you know it. It's okay if they cry and fuss for a bit during tummy time…you don’t want it to be a negative experience for them so if they cry, gently roll them out of it and keep practicing even if they start off for only a minute or two at at time! There are ways to increase their tummy time tolerance—check out our Tummy Time Tips post for more detail on that!

2. TRACKING: Lay your baby on the floor on his or her back. Hold a soft, colorful toy in front of their face (no more than 9 inches away) and slowly shake it to get their attention. Then move the toy from side to side to help them practice following along with their eyes. Once they master side to side, maybe try moving the toy up and down as well. This helps with visual development. Don't worry if your baby isn't always interested or taking some time to follow along... this skill typically isn't fully developed until 3 to 4 months of age but you can start practicing now.

3. BABY SIT UPS: Once your baby has good head/neck control, lay your baby on the floor on his or her back. If your baby is on the younger side, you can place your hands under their upper arms/shoulder blades and slowly pull them up into a sitting position. If they are a bit older and stronger, you can do these same sit ups by holding their hands and slowly guiding them up into the sitting position.

4. DANCE PARTY: Put on your favorite songs, hold your baby to your chest and gently groove around to the tunes. This is great for development of gross motor skills, listening skills, bonding and mood.

5. SINGING: Whenever your baby is starting to fuss or freak out or fight a nap, try singing in a soothing voice. You don't need to remember the words to baby lullabies. Make up songs if you have to. You can sing whatever you like, even if you think your voice is terrible. Your baby doesn't care. They love the sound of their mommy or daddy sweetly singing. Helps with emotion regulation and language development.

6. PUT ON A PERFORMANCE: Exercise your acting skills by talking to your baby in different tones of voice. Get silly with it. Do different characters and watch to see if they react differently. Maybe you even sing in different styles... do your best opera voice, try some hip hop, switch to a country song. The sillier you get, the more they will probably enjoy.

7. MIRROR, MIRROR: Show your baby their reflection in a mirror. Ask them "Who is that?" Hold up a toy in the mirror for them. Maybe point to yourself in the mirror. Babies often are mesmerized and delight in this activity which helps with visual development and early social skills. If you don't already have a good baby mirror, consider ordering one. For a better idea of how well your baby can see at this point in time, check out the BabySee app.

8. MASSAGE: When your baby is in a quiet, alert state... perhaps just after they're dried off from their bath... remove all jewelry from your hands, rub them together to warm them up and try giving your baby a quick massage. There are no major rules. Just apply moderate, gentle pressure to their legs, arms and chest area. Can rub in circles or stroke from top to bottom or put your make a "C" with your hand and gently twist along their legs and arms. Use a baby safe lotion or oil if you'd like. Usually massage is very calming for babies. It's also a great time to make eye contact with them and really connect. Helps with proprioception (body awareness) for them as well.

9. KICK PRACTICE: Try tucking a couple sheets of crinkly tissue paper under a sofa cushion on a soft chair so that the tissue paper hangs down to the floor. While your baby is barefoot, place him or her on their back with their knees slightly bent and their feet against the tissue. Encourage them to kick and listen to the sounds they make.

10. PERSPECTIVE CHANGE: Babies like being able to see the world from different vantage points. They get bored just like we do, and sometimes changing their environment or what they are able to get a view of is enough to snap them out of a funk. If you can safely walk outside for a few minutes, go for it. If stuck inside, lay on the floor and lift them into the air in a "Superman" pose supported by your hands and knees. While standing, try raising them high in the air and see what happens!