How to Play With Newborn Babies

List of contents

• When should you start playing with your newborn?
• How much playtime does a newborn baby need? How can I make sure I'm giving my baby enough playtime?
• How do I play with a newborn baby?
• What are the best toys for newborns?
• Need more inspiration for playing with your newborn?

Are you confused about how to play with your newborn? Although it sounds simple, many parents are hesitant to start. Don't worry, playing with your newborn is a natural part of their growth and development! Let's find out how to play, the right time, and fun activities for your newborn.

When should you start playing with your newborn?

Play is how babies learn. From the moment you get home from the hospital, every interaction you have—looking at your baby, talking to him, or holding him—is play. Even from an early age, play helps babies build motor skills, language, and emotional connections to the world around them.

How much playtime does a newborn need? How can I make sure I'm giving my baby enough playtime?

Playtime for newborns is usually short and simple . Playtime doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. In fact, it can’t take much time at all! Newborns under 4 weeks old can only handle about 35-60 minutes of wake time before showing signs of sleepiness , and even babies 4-12 weeks old are usually ready to go back to sleep after 60-90 minutes. With such short wake times, you may only have a few minutes to play after feedings, diapers, and burps.

How can I play with a newborn baby?

Here are some simple ways we love to play with newborns.

Face to Face Time

Look into your baby’s eyes. Take advantage of the moment when your baby’s eyes are open and enjoy that eye contact! Babies recognize faces from an early age, and yours is the first one they fall in love with. Every time your baby looks at you, they are building an emotional bond.

Stick out your tongue and make funny faces. Studies show that babies as young as 2 days old can imitate simple facial movements - this is the early development of their problem-solving skills!

Speak

Did you know that one of the best ways for babies to learn language is by hearing more words? The more you talk, sing, and read to your baby, the more words they hear, which can help them develop language more easily.

Talk about everything! You can talk about diaper changes, baths, bottles, feedings, and other daily activities. This is a great way to add a little play when your baby’s waking hours seem short. Try to leave short breaks where your baby can “talk.” Before you know it, your baby will start to understand conversation.

Reading can also be a great way to introduce language to your baby. In the newborn phase, you can read children's books, or just read whatever you have on hand at the time.

Sing

Music stimulates the brain and is an easy way to play with your baby. To add singing or music to your daily routine, play or sing songs that you like to your baby. You can also add lullabies to your baby’s cuddles or bedtime routine. If you want to incorporate baby’s body movements, try searching online for “favorite nursery rhymes,” “action songs for babies,” or check out these Spotify playlists . (Here are some examples: “Wheels on the Bus,” “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” or “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”)

Tummy time

Tummy time is essential for your baby’s development. One option is to use an activity mat , blanket, or other firm surface on the floor. You can also lie down and place your baby on their tummy side by side with you! This strategy can be especially helpful for babies who don’t like tummy time .

A Note on Tummy Time: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends at least 15-30 minutes of tummy time each day (by 7 weeks of age). BUT, know that this goal can be achieved by breaking it up into shorter sessions throughout the day. If your baby has 5 wake windows during the day and you can fit even 3 minutes of tummy time into each wake window, your baby will get 15 minutes of tummy time that day.

Playing outside

Take your baby outside! You can do the above activities outside with your baby. Or, you can put your baby in a stroller or carrier and go for a walk. Fresh air and natural light can be very calming for both you and your baby, especially during those difficult hours . And as a bonus: exposure to natural light can help your baby sleep better at night.

What are the best toys for newborns?

In the newborn phase, play can actually be very simple. Although newborns don't "play" with toys in the traditional sense, there are toys that can be interesting and exciting for them. Here are some ideas for the best toys for newborns:

Expert tip: Remember that newborns can only see about 30 cm from their faces and they have not yet developed the strength and mobility to reach for or pick up toys.

Simple Toys

Everything is new to a newborn, so simple toys work well. Newborns love things that have high contrast. That means black and white images are very appealing to them. You can find cards, books, and more. Rattles or teethers can also be interesting things to show your baby as their vision develops.

Light and Music

Both light and music stimulate the brain for good wakefulness and brain growth. Often, swinging is a great way to combine music and visual stimulation during wakefulness, especially during the more difficult nighttime hours.

Mirror

Babies love to look at themselves, and they love to look at other babies, too. Mirrors can be especially interesting for your baby during tummy time, while sitting on your lap, or when you walk to the bathroom. Hold the mirror in front of them or place it steady so they can see their beautiful face.

Standalone Game

Let your baby explore the world on their own too. Don’t be afraid to give your baby some independent play time. This is important because it enhances your baby’s ability to observe and explore without constant stimulation from you. A play gym is a great baby toy that can provide opportunities for independent play.

You

Do you know the best toys for newborns? You do! Seriously. The interactions your baby has with you and other loving adults (or siblings) are the best activities they can have.

Bonus Tip: We'll be listing some of our favorite newborn baby toys, along with some of the most recommended newborn baby toys from our team and the Mummasphere community, in this "0-4 Months Toys" section .

Need more inspiration for playing with your newborn?

Check out activities for 1 month old babies , activities for 2 month old babies , and activities for 3 month old babies . Some parents also find products like these activity cards helpful! The cards provide specific guidance on play ideas for babies that have been vetted by specialists in pediatric physical therapy and speech pathology.