As a tiny life lies in your arms, you and everyone around you would tell you how to feed, change the diaper, wrap your baby nice and warm. Though you don’t know about it, your baby has already started communicating with you.
It would take you a few days to understand the signs and you will eventually figure out why is she crying. It could be discomfort, hunger, wet diaper, change in temperature or something else. As you keep taking to your baby, you are assuring him by the tone and warmth in your voice.
There are a few typical developmental behavior that you would see in a babies at newborn stage like they keep their fist tightly closed, jerks body in response to reflexive impulses, sleeps 16 to 18 hours of the day, blinks at bright lights, can distinguish mother’s voice from voices of other people around, relaxes to soft singing, humming and gentle rocking. Newborn babies respond more to soft, high-pitched voice of women rather than to lower-pitched men’s voices. While all this is true, it doesn’t mean that you should stagnate the fun just because your baby is a ‘newborn’.
Here are few simple activities for your newborn baby:
1. Use bright colours and bold patterns:
Yes, a newborn can’t see far and doesn’t have a clear sight until she’s at least two months old. So look out for black and white toys or object for her first month. Once she’s two months old start using bright primary colour toys, photos, sheets or books. Bright colors and bold and complicated patterns will help in stimulating baby vision.
2. Cuddling and talking:
Talking to a baby is always encouraged, starting from when she’s still inside the mother’s womb. Babies love familiar voices so spend time cuddling, singing and talking to your child. Tell baby stories on a regular basis. Your baby might not understand what you are saying, but she will sense the warmth of your touch and the comforting tone of your voice
3. Toys:
During the first month your baby won’t be able to see beyond 20-30 cm. So you are her biggest amusement. In the second month babies start following toys if you move it around in front of her. Try shaking a rattle near one ear and then move to shaking it near another. Eventually, baby will reach out for the sound on her own.
4. Soothe your baby:
To hold your baby on your left side is highly recommended. The baby will feel at peace and comfort listening to the sound of your heartbeat. Encourage soft sounds that will help soothe the baby. Soft stroking or caressing may simulate the feeling of the fluid that surrounded baby in the womb. Hold baby on your shoulder as you move around the room. Take a moment to stand near something interesting for baby to look at like a lampshade or a photo frame.
5. Music:
Music is something babies very dearly associate with. It soothes and relaxes them. Playing soft music such as devotional/classical/instrumental near the crib can help baby fall asleep on their own. You may alternatively hang a wind chime or a mobile above baby’s crib.
These are five very simple activities and budget-friendly activities to enjoy those initial months with your baby. So be sure to enjoy them while they swift away from you. Do share the post with your friends with newborn babies.
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