The first year of your baby’s life will be full of milestones and new experiences. Taking part in different activities together will help you to bond but will also support them in developing different skills.
Here are some fun, baby-friendly activities you can try in the first year!
Tummy Time
Tummy Time is essential for helping your baby strengthen their shoulders, neck and core muscles, allowing them to do things such as roll, crawl or sit up as they get stronger. Start simple with tummy time – laying them onto your chest when you first begin for a few minutes a day. As they grow, you can try tummy time on the floor using a soft blanket in a safe environment. If your baby doesn’t enjoy this, incorporate some entertainment like talking or singing to your baby, and putting toys in easy reach. You can also roll up a towel and prop them up by placing it under their arms for a little more comfort.
Sensory Play
Whilst there are some great toys on the market that will aid in sensory play, it doesn’t have to be an expensive or complicated activity! Soft fabrics, wooden spoons, crinkly paper – safe objects that look, sound and feel different are great to use when it comes to sensory play. Let your baby touch the objects and explain to them how they feel, what they look like or the sound they’re making. Babies are naturally curious and interested in the new world around them, so sensory play can be a stimulating experience for them.
Bathtime also lends itself well to sensory play – use some baby-safe bath toys and let them splash the water and grab these different toys under supervision. Not only is this aiding their development, but it’s making their baths a lot more exciting.
Storytime
Reading to your baby from an early age helps to develop their listening skills, vocabulary and a general love for reading. Baby books come in many different forms, including texture books, lift-the-flap books and colourful picture books that can help to keep your baby engaged. Even if they don’t understand the words or storylines just yet, hearing your voice, looking at the images and hearing different expressions, emotions and stories all help their brain absorb language.
You can make story time interactive by pointing at pictures and describing them, letting your baby turn the pages and feel the textures. As they get older, you’ll start to understand the types of stories they enjoy through their expressions and from their own selection of the books you read.
Go Outdoors
The outdoors provides many learning opportunities. A walk in the park, around your neighbourhood or just spending time in the garden allows them to see different colours, hear new sounds, and feel the leaves, flowers and grass. For younger babies, a stroller or baby carrier allows them to safely observe their surroundings as you explain the world around them. When you do allow your baby out of the stroller and the weather gets warmer you can also take playtime outdoors, staying in shaded areas, making sure they’re protected from the sun using baby sun cream, light clothing and hats.
Baby Groups
If you’re looking to get out of the house with your baby, parent and baby groups are great activities for you to partake in. You’ll help them get used to social settings outside of the home and close family, spending time with other parents and babies and playing alongside them in a supportive environment. You can use some of the activities you learn in these groups at home too – helping you develop a range of different methods to enjoy with your little one.
The first year with your baby is full of meaningful moments and by engaging in some fun activities together, you aren’t’ just keeping them entertained – you’re helping them develop essential skills for their future. Why not try some of these activities and discover which ones your baby likes the most!