Playing with your Newborn

10 Fun and Interactive Ways to Play with your Newborn

By Jackie Gurdian, M.S., OTR/L

It might be hard to believe but your newborn wants to play. I’m not talking playing a game of Monopoly but playing peek-a-boo is her idea of a fun night. For these games there is no need for fancy toys (the toys you registered for and found out later that your baby rather play with a box), instead you will be her favorite toy.

First, lets answer this question, why is play important?

Play is the way that newborns learn how to communicate, socialize, move and understand what is going on around them and socializing with you is the best way for baby to learn. Stimulation is very important for baby’s well-being and many studies show babies who are stimulated reach physical and cognitive milestones earlier.

Now, the fun stuff below is a list of games that my daughter loved to play as well as some ideas from other parents.

Developmental Milestones

Is your child meeting all milestones on time?

by Jackie Gurdian, MS, OTR/L

You and your pediatrician should be checking thesemilestones regularly to assure that your child is meeting their milestones ontime. Early intervention is key to success for your child’s life.   

Here are some basic milestones from birth to three years ofage that the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests to look out for. Don’tforget to consult with your doctor.

Birth-3 months

·        Able to track toys

·        Reacts to sounds

·        Smiling 

·        Raises head and chest when lying on stomach

·        When placed on firm surface push down on legs

·        Grasps and shakes toy

·        Swipes at toys

·        Brings hands to mouth

      ·        Recognizes familiar people and objects

·        Able to track moving objects

4-7 months

·        Rolls both directions

·        Raking grasp

·        Transfer objects from one hand to the other

·        Sit independently

·        Enjoys social play and play with mirror images

·        Able to find partially hidden images

·        Attempts to get objects that are out of reach

8-12 months

·        Sits independently and get in positionindependently

·        Crawls

·        Pulls up to stand

·        Cruises furniture

·        Separation anxiety begins

·        Finger feeds independently

·        Imitates people and toys

12-36 months

·        Walks independently

·        Run

·        Kick a ball

·        Stand on tiptoe

·        Pulls toys when walking

·        Imitates behaviors

·        Enjoys playing with children

·        Sorts by shape and color

·        Enjoys playing imaginary play

Thanks for reading, and be sure to read my other posts for more information. Feel free to contact me with anyquestions! speakeatplay@gmail.com

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics, www.HealthyChildren.org