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Newborn Play

Play is an important part of your newborn’s growth and learning. Even in the first months of life, play provides time for bonding, helps their brain to develop, and supports all parts of their development. 

A baby having tummy time on the floor with toys

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The Importance of Play for Newborns

  1. Brain Development: Every interaction builds connections in your baby’s growing brain. 
  2. Bonding: Play helps the bond between you and your baby, creating trust and emotional security. 
  3. Sensory Stimulation: Exploring the world around them with sight and sound helps babies learn. 
  4. Physical Growth: Activities like tummy time promote muscle development and motor skills. 

How Newborns Learn Through Play

Newborns learn best through simple interactions that you do often. They use their senses to explore and learn about their environment: 

  • Sight: Bright colours and faces capture their attention. 
  • Hearing: Soft sounds, music, and your voice help babies develop auditory skills. 
  • Touch: Gentle stroking or exploring textures helps sensory development.

Play Ideas for Newborns

  1. Face-to-Face Interaction: Look into your baby’s eyes while talking or singing. Babies love to look at faces and will learn to copy people’s expressions. 
  2. Tummy Time: Place your baby on their tummy for only short times during the day to strengthen neck, shoulder, and upper body muscles. Use a soft mat or blanket on the floor and stay with your baby during tummy time  
  3. Gentle Movement Games: Hold their hands or feet and move them gently while singing a song. This encourages awareness about their body and helps with muscle tone. Your baby will love to hear your voice.  
  4. High-Contrast Toys: Offer simple black-and-white toys or images to engage their vision and help them focus. 
  5. Toys that make sound: Toys that make gentle sounds can gently to capture their attention and help them track sounds. 

Tips for Playing with Your Newborn

  • Follow Their Lead: Pay attention to your baby’s cues. If they seem unsettled or tired, take a break. 
  • Use Your Voice: Talk, sing, or hum to your baby often, as they find your voice comforting and stimulating. 
  • Keep it Simple: Things like cuddling, talking, and rocking are forms of play. 
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Newborn Play FAQs

Newborns don’t need structured playtime. Short, frequent times together (a few minutes at a time) between feeds and naps are ideal.

Allowing your baby to explore their surroundings safely (e.g., looking at a mobile) can also be beneficial if it's for a short time.

Newborns can get tired quickly. If your baby isn’t interested, try again after some rest or after a feed.

Tummy time helps build strength and coordination necessary for rolling, crawling, and other motor milestones.

No special toys are required—your voice, face, and gentle touch are the most engaging tools for newborn play.

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