Developmental Activity Ideas for Newborns
quality time
MOMENTS THAT MATTER
Moving and shaking
Big changes happen in the first year of life. Specifically, in the first three months, babies are developing control over their head and neck, and while they should move their arms and legs freely and equally in different positions, their ability to control their head and, later, their trunk is what really frees them up to use their arms and legs.
When designing activities for kids this age, keep the head in mind. Ideally, whether as parents or as teachers (or as physical therapists), we want to choose activities that provide the right amount of challenge--neither too easy or too boring.
Kids develop best when given free time and space to move, and so its recommended to limit devices like swings, seats, and bouncers as much as possible. Additionally, infants should be placed in all positions--on their backs, on their tummies, and on each side--to develop strength, flexibility and to reach movement milestones.
Photo by Filip Mroz on Unsplash
WEIGHTLIFTING FOR BABIES
Activities that encourage a baby to move or lift their head are ideal for this age. Some examples include placing the infant on their tummy (while they are awake and supervised) and placing a musical or light-up toy, a mirror, or a loved-one's face in front of them. For maximum effect, move the object or face slowly to each side and up and down. This will help the baby develop the visual skill of tracking, or following something with their eyes. Because an infant's head is very large and very heavy relative to their total body size, it's often very challenging for them to lift their heads (especially when they are this young). So don't be surprised if a young infant quickly becomes fussy in this position. My mantra is: Short and Sweet, Then Repeat. Just as you would do when lifting weights at a gym, allow rest breaks and then return to the activity again.
Photo by Zach Lucero on Unsplash
BABY JAZZERCISE
In our daily lives we often listen to music in the background--while we're working, or cooking, or driving. We're so used to barely tuning in to music that we forget how amazing it is. Imagine you had never heard music before. That's how a baby must feel.
In addition to its own inherent virtue, music can provide an opportunity for movement. One activity I enjoyed doing with my children was what I called "Baby Jazzercise." In this activity I would move their arms and legs in time with music, counting off—"and one, and two"—just like I remember them doing in my Mom's eighties Jazzercise classes (which were—no joke—held in a roller rink, leotards and all!). This activity provides a baby with physical activity and introduces them to rhythm. It also helps keep their joints healthy, as movement is the primary way that joints receive nutrition from the body and eliminate wastes. In addition, there are opportunities to introduce the baby to numeracy (counting) and anatomy (naming body parts during the activity). Plus, making eye contact and enjoying the time together is a great bonding experience. I personally like Cyndi Lauper's Girls Just Want to Have Fun for this one.
PLAY IN ALL POSITIONS
As mentioned above, babies this age benefit from play in all positions, and one of the easiest ways to do this is using an activity mat. An activity mat is simply a cushy blanket typically with multi-textured items on the blanket itself and/or arches above from which toys are suspended. When the baby is lying on his or her back, she will look around (working on head control and visual tracking) and try to touch the overhanging toys with her arms, hands and legs. When the baby is placed on her side, she can play with toys that have been detached or those placed lower on the overhead arches. On his tummy, the baby can look around the room or study his own face in the reflective mirror.
Photo by Derek Owens on Unsplash
TAKE A HIKE
While this age is far too young for walking independently, I think taking babies for regular walks is a great introduction to the pleasures of a long walk. I fondly remember being on maternity leave with my daughter and taking our morning and afternoon walks along the greenway by our apartment. At first, the walks unsettled her. But after a few consistent attempts, she grew to like them as much as I did. She would look around and up at all the trees and birds, and I like to think it was a pleasant introduction to the wonder of the natural world.
Taking walks is good for us too, whether we're a parent, a grandparent, or a teacher. Caregiving is stressful and demanding, and exercise helps us manage stress. As we wander, so do our minds. They are quietly working while we walk, sorting and solving, so that we return from them refreshed.
Finally, we set an example for our children—no matter how young—when we make time in the day to exercise. Our children see what we do, for better or worse, and model it. I believe that when we demonstrate good habits our children almost unconsciously pick up these habits and adopt them as their own.
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