what activities do you do with your newborn

My DH and I were discussing this earlier this morning. Our son is jsut 16 days old but we still try to vary his routine a bit duringthe day, he definitely sleeps most of the time at this point, naturally, but we try tummy time for a few minutes, try to get him in the swing and bouncy chair, read at least one book and in the evening have put him on his activity mat, usually last about 2-3 minutes....are there certain activities you do with your newborn...sometimes I feel like we are doing something wrong....not sure if its too much, if we should be doing more, etc...

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

bouncy chait, swing, he loes his mobile...my hubby reads to him everynight about 2 books, we sing to him...thats about it, also tummy time...and play in the bath...heheh

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

Swing, bouncer, tummy time, singing, bath time.

But what she likes most is when we talk to her and make faces at her. She tries to imitate what we do...it's so cute. Right now your face and voice are the best toys for him. He will like looking at your mouth and watching your expressions. Smile at him a lot and soon he will give it back to you.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

Definitely make faces and talk with DC--this is his best toy right now. He actually is learning how to speak and make facial expressions (ever so slowly) by watching you.

Right now, DSs favorite thing is to do a sort of high five and we say "Yeahh!!!" It's goofy, but it keeps him happy. All the other things you are doing are fine, but don't push too much either or he may get overstimulated. I also try to give him some time alone in his crib so he can learn to play by himself a little.

I felt the same way when we first brought DS home.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

Swing, bouncy, playmat...she loves to sit on my lap facing me and just talking. I read to her and have picture cards that we go through pretty much every day. We do a ton of talking and playing on her changing table, that is her absolute favorite place. A few times a week I put a baby einstein DVD on, but usually have her turned away from the TV, she loves to listen to music and didn't show any interest in actually watching the TV.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

It sounds like you're doing a great job! I have talked to DD constantly since that age too.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

When Ben was a newborn, we would have him in the bouncy seat or activity mat most of the time. Also he would lay in his crib and look at his mobile spinning. Also I read to him and we'd watch t.v. He's a summer baby so we also would to for walks and to the mall.

You're doing great! At such a young age, it's enough for them to know you are there by holding them and talking to them because you're establishing trust. Soon enough you'll be able to do more.

Message edited 1/24/2008 12:47:05 PM.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

Holding small, brightly colored toys in front of them for them to look at.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

Swing , sing, bouncer, floor mat, bebe pod, bathtime fun, tummy and back time

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

I put her in the swing, do a few minutes of tummy time a couple of times a day. We should be getting our activity mat this weekend, and I will start putting her on that. I talk to her alot when I am feeding her, changing her, etc. DH talks to her a lot too. I think thats the best thing at this early stage.

Re: what activities do you do with your newborn

We did tummy time in 3-5 minute spurts, read her at least 1 book a day, sang to her quite a bit. She started to spend a little time in her bouncy seat and swing after 3 weeks. She loved watching the
Symphony-in-Motion Mobile we positioned it over the pack-n-play. I also took her out for short walks everyday but I know that is difficult in the winter. Once she had neck control I started dancing with her for about 20-30 minutes a day, exercise for me and fun for her.

I also just talked and talked to her, I still do, I narrate everything I do, tell her plans for the day or the week over and over, talk about relatives and anything else that comes to mind.