Activities I do with my Newborn
First, let me say my favorite education theorist is Maria Montessori.
I am a big fan of the Montessori approach to learning!
When I graduate with my early childhood education degree, I plan to attend a certified Maria Montessori Program.
I know it’s hard to find some activities to do with newborns, so here’s a little list of things I’ve been doing with my babe, who is now eight weeks old!
- Reading – reading is a great activity to do even with newborns who love listening to your voice!
- Tummy Time – this is recommended to start with newborn babies. Most babies don’t love tummy time too much because it is uncomfortable for them, but they must strengthen their neck muscles! When we first started, I would use my boppy pillow or my chest to prop her up when we would do tummy time to help her before we did it on the floor.
- Color scarves – this idea is not my own; I got it from Milena Ciciotti. Using sheer colored scarves, you gently fan them over your babies’ faces to their toes, and they love it! It’s a sensory and visual experience for them!
- Lovevery Play Gym – I love the love very play gym! It is so excellent, not too colorful, and overstimulating for young infants! But I also love that it has little holders for cards which, when my daughter hit her first leap, was terrific because she loved looking at high contrast images, and I could have them up over her head for her!
- Walks – It’s excellent for newborns to spend time outside! During her second leap, I started taking two long walks a day because she wanted to observe so much, and she was extra fussy, so I felt the change of scenery was good for her! But there’s also tons of research about how great it is for babies to get fresh air and how it helps them sleep better even!
- House tours – I often did house tours after a feed because she had reflux, so we had to hold her upright, and before naps in a soothing, calming voice, we would also say goodnight to each room as we left it!
- High Contrast Flash Cards – these were great during her first two leaps! But in general, too, high contrast images are a staple for newborns because they can’t see very well. The high contrast helps them focus and see the images!
- Talking – Just talking to your babe is so good for their development. In the mornings, I would tell my daughter what our day was going to look like, I would explain to her what I was doing if she were in her swing while I cooked, or when we would be sitting hanging out, I would have silly little conversations! As foolish as you might feel, don’t forget to give them a chance to respond with coos.
- Rattles – An obvious staple for babies, rattles are great! I would shake them next to the sides of her head to help her learn where sounds came from but also hold them out in front of your babe and encourage them to reach and grab such a good activity!
Heidi and The Hobbits 