15 Engaging Activites for infants: From birth to one year
The first year of a baby's life is a period of incredible growth and development! During this time, infants meet numerous milestones and develop skills that lay the foundation for their future. As parents and caregivers, it's crucial to provide infants with a stimulating environment and age-appropriate activities to support their physical, cognitive, and social development. It is not always easy to know how to engage an infant in the most beneficial ways. In this blog post, we will explore 15 engaging activities for infants for their first year of life to help support you support your little one during this critical period.
Birth to Three Months: Building Bonds and Senses
The newborn stage can be one of the most challenging times in regards to knowing how to engage with your baby. We can all admit that those first few months many are in survival mode. But this is also a critical time for baby. Millions of neural connections are being formed every second! How incredible! Here are some activities to do with your child that can help support brain development and the formation of critical skills.
Skin-to-Skin Time: One of the most crucial activities for a newborn is skin-to-skin contact with their caregiver. This not only helps in bonding but also regulates the baby's temperature and heart rate. Not to mention what is better than baby snuggles!
Tummy Time: Encourage tummy time to help your baby develop neck and upper body strength. There are a plethora of toys designed to engage your baby during tummy time but in truth all you need is a soft blanket. Lay the blanket on the floor and allow your baby to explore the texture of the blanket.
Links to Tummy Time Toy Favorites:
Splashin'kids Inflatable Tummy Time Premium Water mat
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes Music and Language Play Gym and Piano Tummy Time Activity Mat
Skip Hop Baby Tummy Time Playmat, Farmstand
LaLa Lou Kids Tummy Time Mat Premium Inflatable Big Red Barn Farmer Toy Tummy Time Water Mat
High-Contrast Toys: Infants have limited vision at birth, so high-contrast toys or black-and-white picture books can captivate their attention and stimulate visual development.
High Contrast Toys I Like on Amazon:
4 Pcs Baby Toys 0-3 Months Black and White High Contrast Newborn Toys
XIXILAND Black and White Baby Toys 0-3 Months, Car Seat Toys Stroller Toys Hanging Rattle Toys
Twelve Montessori Patterns That Newborns Love
beiens Baby Books Toys, High Contrast Black and White, Non Toxic Fabric Touch and Feel Crinkle Cloth
Also one more high contrast item that is from a small business! This is a hat with a high contrast bill!
https://viveehatco.com/
Gentle Music and Sounds: Soft lullabies or soothing sounds can help comfort your baby and create a relaxing environment. It also does not hurt to create a calming environment for yourself!
Three to Six Months: Exploring the World
Mirror Play: Babies love to look at themselves in the mirror. Hang a baby-safe mirror low on the wall, and watch as your little one smiles and interacts with their reflection. It is truly the cutest thing ever!
Soft Textured Toys: Introduce toys with different textures, such as soft stuffed animals, textured balls, or fabric books. This helps babies explore through touch.
Babbling Conversations: Engage in conversations with your baby, even if they can't talk yet. Respond to their coos and babbles to encourage early language development.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Place colorful, lightweight toys within reach, so your baby can practice reaching and grabbing. This helps develop hand-eye coordination.
Seven to Nine Months: Motor Skills and Independence
Crawling Exploration: Create a safe space for your baby to explore on their hands and knees. Crawling helps them develop gross motor skills and independence. A few fun ways to engage your little one in crawling is to build a tunnel, play crawl chasing, play find the toy.
Stacking Blocks: Stacking blocks or cups are excellent toys to improve fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Plus, knocking them down is loads of fun!
Peek-a-Boo: Play peek-a-boo games to reinforce object permanence. Hide behind a blanket or your hands and then reappear with a big smile.
Soft Books with Flaps: Invest in soft books with flaps and textures. These interactive books encourage exploration and improve sensory awareness.
Ten to Twelve Months: Cognitive and Social Development
Exploring Nature: Take your baby outside to explore nature. Let them touch grass, leaves, and feel different textures. Nature offers endless sensory experiences. Nature is also good for the parent’s mental health as well! A win win.
Simple Puzzles: Introduce simple puzzles with large pieces. This activity helps enhance problem-solving skills and patience.
Music and Movement: Encourage dancing and clapping to music. This not only develops gross motor skills but also fosters a love for music and rhythm. You can invest in instruments such as maracas, rhythm sticks, and bells or use pots and spoons from your own kitchen! There are also so many fun songs on Spotify. I love going on a bear hunt and shake your sillies out by the wiggles!
Additional Tips for Engaging Activities
Follow Your Baby's Lead: Every baby is unique, and they may have their preferences. Pay attention to what interests your child the most and build on that. Getting to know your own child’s is half the fun!
Limit Screen Time: Avoid excessive screen time for infants. The amount of screen time used is an incredibly personal choice for each family. There are so many great online resources that can be beneficial to families. That being said the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time until after 18 months.
Safety First: Ensure that all toys and play areas are safe and age-appropriate. Always supervise your baby during playtime to prevent accidents.
Consistency is Key: Consistently engaging in these activities with your infant will yield the most benefits. Regular interactions and playtime sessions help reinforce learning and development.
The first year of a baby's life is a precious and transformative time. By providing your infant with a variety of engaging activities that cater to their developmental stage, you can help them grow physically, cognitively, and socially. These activities not only support your child's development but also strengthen the bond between caregiver and baby.
Remember that every baby is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Be patient, adapt to your baby's needs, and enjoy the journey of watching them grow and explore the world around them. With love, care, and thoughtful playtime activities, you can give your infant the best start in life.