Playtime and interaction with your baby is crucial for their development, and will help them reach milestones related to talking, understanding words, and learning to socialize. You’re one of your baby’s favorite companions and their first teacher.
That said, you don’t need to interact with and entertain your baby during every waking moment. Babies need time on their own, too, so they can gradually start to understand that they’re independent from you.
And at first, you won’t have much time to playtime. Newborns sleep up to 16 hours a day, and when they’re awake you’ll be focused on getting the hang of feeding and caring for your little one. Introduce playtime as your baby grows and is ready for more interaction.
How much playtime does a baby need?
Playtime has many proven benefits for babies and kids: It builds your child’s ability to plan, organize, get along with others, and regulate emotions. Playtime develops language, math, and social skills, and even helps kids cope with stress.
Playtime is so important that the Pediatrics recommends pediatricians write a “prescription” for it. But the pediatrics doesn’t recommend any specific amount of playtime – that’s up to you.
As you get to know your baby, you’ll learn to read their cues and know when they want to interact and play – and when they’d rather rest.
Responding to your baby’s signals will help the two of you bond and learn to communicate. It’s especially important to respond to your baby whenever they cry – crying is how they tell you they need something.
When you address the need right away, whether it’s hunger, a dirty diaper, or boredom, you’ll build trust and let your baby know they’re important to you. But you don’t have to be at your baby’s side all the time.
Look for occasions when you can place them on a play mat or blanket (in a safe area on the floor) with some soft toys within easy reach. Do a task nearby so your baby can explore their environment and learn to be alone for a short time.
Over a few weeks, try to stretch the amount of “me” time your baby gets. Just be observant, stay nearby, and try to pick them up before they start fussing or crying.
As your baby falls into a routine or schedule, you’ll probably get into the habit of playing together at certain times of the day. If you’re not sure how to playtime with your baby, here are some great games to try.
How much interaction do babies need?
The answer is different for every baby. Some are content to lie on their back and stare at their toes for a bit, while others need more interactive time.
Babies communicate their needs through sounds (coos and cries), facial expressions (smiles and frowns), and body movements (waving their arms and legs). Yours will let you know when they need you. And remember, doing the basics of caring for your baby counts as interacting, as long as you’re smiling at and talking to your little one. Diaper changes and mealtimes are great opportunities to share some quality time.
If you feel like your baby is craving more stimulation, try a change of venue. Go for a walk in the park or explore your local supermarket together. Or sign your baby up for a structured music or playtime class.
Remember that babies can get overstimulated. Your baby’s attention span is far shorter than that of an older child or adult. Signs that your baby may be feeling tired, bored, or overwhelmed include:
- rubbing their eyes
- looking away
- crying or fussing
- arching their back
- closing their eyes or falling asleep
When you think your baby has had enough play, clear away the toys. Do a quiet activity together. Rock with your baby in your lap or sing them a song. If they look sleepy, try putting them down for a nap.
Is it okay to give my baby alone time?
You can never leave a baby truly alone, of course – they need an adult nearby at all times. Never leave your baby home alone, even for a few minutes. Your little one could need your care, attention, or protection at any time.
But it’s perfectly okay to give your baby “alone time” when you’re out of sight in the next room rather than right by their side. Babies benefit from time to themselves: It helps develop independence and self-soothing skills. Independent play allows babies to explore at their own pace, spending as much or as little time as they like on a particular interest.
Not all babies do well with alone time, though. At first, you may want to try it by stepping into another room for 30 seconds to a minute. If your baby’s distressed by this brief absence, give them “alone time” with you in the room, about 6 feet away. Let your baby sit in a bouncer or lie on a play mat and entertain themself.
If your baby is in a crib in a separate room, you may hear them happily chatting to themselves or rattling a toy attached to their crib when they wake up in the morning. Provided that your baby is happily engaged and safe, let them explore their toes or a toy for a bit. They’ll cry to let you know when they’re tired of being alone.
Easy ways to play with your baby
Playtime doesn’t have to be elaborate or structured. Here are some easy ways to make sure your baby gets the play and interaction they need:
- Imitate your baby’s coos and babbles and have back-and-forth “conversations.”
- Narrate your day when you’re with your baby, talking about where you’re going, what you’re seeing, and what you’re doing.
- When your baby smiles, respond and smile back.
- Hand your baby objects that they can safely grasp and mouth (like a rattle or other toy).
- Encourage your baby to do tummy time, and make it more fun by getting down on the floor with them.
- Read to your baby.
- Put your baby down in different places around the house so they can see the world from a new perspective.
- Use a baby-safe mirror to show your baby their facial expressions.
- Play peek-a-boo.
- Sing songs and play music to engage your baby.
- Babyproof your home, but leave a kitchen cabinet or drawer unlocked and filled with safe objects your baby can play with, like wooden spoons and pots and pans.
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