Activity Time for a Small Baby
With Sharleen Poole
Activity Time for a Small Baby
Introduction:
It is hard not to want your newborn baby to do more than
just feed and sleep, but understanding a newborn baby's ability
when it comes to playing is very hard for most new parents.
Inquisitive babies are ready earlier than others, particularly
sleepy and sensitive babies who are ready a little later.
Background:
- Until your baby is roughly 3 weeks old all they require
is milk, sleep and love. All of this taking up their limited awake
time of 1 hour.
- By 3 weeks of age they will start to 'wake to the world', showing
more interest in you and your environment. They'll be ready for
some more interaction and a little stimulation.
- Start with just 10-20 minutes of play when they are 3-4 weeks old
and increase that time as they grow and are able to cope with being
awake for longer periods in between a feed and their bedtime.
- Knowing that what 'play' is for a newborn is important.
Everything you do with a newborn is stimulating. They are
learning constantly and even if we get bored, they don't.
The Baby Whisperer's tips:
Where to start
- Floor play - Lay your baby on a mat or rug without
their nappy on and let them stretch and move with the new freedom
and space they are adapting to.
- Black and White - Babies love the contrast of the two
colours. Place something like a black and white book, fabric or
picture on the floor or by the nappy changing table - they
will love to study and observe these different patterns.
- Tummy time - Aim for around 5 minutes every day or every
other day! This is important for strengthening their back and neck
muscles.
- Looking in a mirror - Babies love to watch their bodies move
and to stare at their own face. Place a mirror safely against
a chair or lean it against a wall while they kick on a mat.
- Reading books - Babies need to be about a foot in front of
them. They love picture books with noises and big bright pictures
to start with, soft books they can hold are great too.
- Observation - Sit your baby in a baby chair while you are in
the kitchen and talk to them while they watch you do your
jobs.
- Dance - To gentle slow music.
- Sing to your baby.
Some handy hints
Use plenty of animation and different octaves when talking
and singing.
Watch you do not over stimulate your baby by keeping an eye on the
time they have been awake and by reading their tired signs.
Where to go for further info:
Sharlene Poole - Baby Whispering DVD, 0-3mths
Plunket - Baby and You Courses
Parenting Groups like Parents Centre run courses for ideas
throughout the year.
(Broadcast: 17 Apr 2012)
