Do you have a baby (age newborn-12 months), but you’re not really sure what to do with them all day? If you find yourself wondering  “am I doing enough for my newborn?” and “what am I supposed to do with my baby all day?” – this is the article for you. 

I know that a day at home with a baby can feel like a looong day, and I don’t want you to feel like you need to entertain your baby in 5 minute intervals all day long. In this article, I’ll tell you exactly how to have fun, stimulating, developmentally supportive and happy days with your little one. Let’s dive in!

Tip #1: Physical play

There are so many important developmental milestones at this age. There are the more well-known ones, like sitting, standing, crawling and walking. These are huge! There’s also grasping, squatting, pointing and squeezing. 

You can take short 5-10 minute periods throughout the day to practice whatever milestones your little one is working on. Make it fun and upbeat, for as long as your little one is interested. Keep them motivated by including their favorite song, toy or book. 

For example, if you’re practicing grasping, offer your little one’s favorite lovey or a homemade rattle (learn how to make one here). If you’re practicing walking, motivate them by holding our your arms, give them lots of praise, and play happy music. You get the idea.

Tip #2: Practice language

Even if your baby is now probably pre-verbal (and will be for a while), we need to make sure we’re helping them develop their language skills. 

A super easy way to do this is to talk to them often. Just narrate your day!

Whether it’s talking about groceries, colors, the sun, doing laundry – talking to your newborn or young baby helps build new synapses in the brain and lays the foundation for their language and communication skills. Ideally, you combine these conversations by showing them what you’re talking about – for example in the grocery store, point to the bananas when you say “bananas”. 

Another thing you can do is play music. I personally love Super Simple Songs – they’re extremely educational while also mellow (and easy on the ears for us adults). 

Finally, you can help promote your baby’s language development by reading to them. You can read simple books about colors, food, and vehicles – I love the Indestructible books (you can give these to your new baby to touch or even chew on – they’re non-toxic)! 

However, if you’re tired of the baby bubble and need some you-time, just read your own book out loud to your baby. Honestly, as long as you’re talking near them (and not reading 50 Shades of Grey), it’s great for their development. 

Tip #3: Use their interests to your advantage

Even the youngest babies have a preference when it comes to activities and toys. Perhaps your baby loves one specific rattle, looking out the window, or crawling around. Study after study proves that when a child (any age) is motivated and happy to do something, they actually learn more and can stay focused for longer periods of time. 

So use this to your advantage! Try to fill the day with activities they actually enjoy. That way they’ll have more fun, fuss less, and actually learn more.

Also, research has shown that babies tend to engage longer with new impressions and experiences, rather than with predictable things. 

If you’re not sure what activities to expose your little one to, you can get started with my FREE Sensory Play Guide.

Tip #4: Incorporate some you-time in your daily routine

I always urge parents to incorporate some adult-time into their days. Again, you don’t have to be stuck in the baby-bubble if you don’t want to. It’s easy to get lost in trying to entertain your baby all day! That’s why I always like to “assign” some adult-time for parents to aim for as well. Happy parent = happy baby.

You can go about your daily business (and get some adult time) and your baby will STILL learn tons just by watching you and being around you.

Here are some examples:

• Go to the park and do some people-watching together.
• Listen to YOUR favorite song and enjoy it with your little one.
• Fold laundry while they watch. 
• Make coffee or a smoothie and narrate what you’re doing. 
• While they’re playing, talk to a friend on the phone while supervising them. (Language is language! It doesn’t have to be baby-talk). 

Remember, less is more. Your baby will learn, grow, bond and develop so much just by taking part in your regular routine, listening, and watching you. 

Tip #5: Sensory play

I love sensory play for all ages. But when your baby is young, it’s extra simple! 

This type of play stimulates the senses. It’s a fun way to introduce your baby to textures, sensations and colors while smelling, touching, and generally exploring everyday objects or materials (like water).

Sensory play has so many developmental benefits – it helps build new connections in the brain, it supports physical development, scientific thinking and also helps babies learn about cause-and-effect.

If you want easy sensory activities that take 5 minutes to set up for every age (newborn-preschooler), get my FREE Sensory Activity Guide here!

To sum up…

I hope this post gave you some insight into what you can do with your baby on a daily basis. Now you don’t have to entertain your baby in 5 minute intervals – instead, you can incorporate fun activities into your daily routine and still keep your baby stimulated all day long.

If you have any questions, contact me or let me know in the comments.

Have fun!

Artemis