You are a new parent – everything is new! Your cute and cuddly newborn suddenly wakes up one day and wants to play, this is the part you didn’t expect as you look at your baby and think “how do I entertain you?”
- Keep it simple
Go for a walk, go for a drive – as long as your baby is with you they will be happy. This is a great time for your little one to experience the world around them and stimulate the senses.
- Avoid overstimulation
This is the tricky part, when you choose an activity, listen to your baby. If they niggle and cry rather stop the activity.
- Be creative
If you are needing to cook dinner, why not involve your baby? Strap him/her in the bouncy chair in the kitchen or prop your baby up with some cushions and read a story.
- You are the best entertainment
Time to bring out the inner clown – make silly faces and play peek a boo. These games help babies to practice focusing and moving their eyes up and down and side to side.
- Mommy and baby classes
Not only are these classes great for baby stimulation, but they will get you out of the house for some much needed social interaction. Programmes like Clamber Club start from 2 months old and give you the opportunity to also meet new mommy friends.
At the end of the day, as long as your baby is happy and smiling you have done enough. Don’t force your baby into an activity they aren’t ready for, they will reach their milestones and you will still be a fantastic mom.
For more tips and ideas on how you can stimulate your baby at home buy the Stimulate your Baby DVD series from Clamber Club.
Contributed by Kathy Cowell