From the very beginning playtime is an important tool for bonding, development and parent/child interaction.  It is an opportunity for you to spend time with your baby, introduce your baby to their new world, and encourage infant development.  Playing with your newborn is not like playing with a six month old or a toddler but it is still a lot of fun.

Here are a few suggestions for things to do during playtime with your newborn.

• Introduce toys designed for newborns like soft rattles and colorful toys that draw the baby’s attention (especially those with mirrors).  Your local baby store, other parents, and your pediatrician can help with suggestions if you don’t know what toys to purchase.
• Playmats are fun too.  It can be used for tummy time or you can lay your child on his back and he will be drawn by the dangling toys.
• Spend time reading to your child.  Your baby enjoys the sound of your voice and eventually will be drawn by the colorful pictures in the book too.  This is great for bonding.
• Dance and sing with your baby, or just play some nice music that the baby seems to enjoy and dance around while holding her.  (this is great exercise for you too!!)

There are so many creative ways you can play with your newborn.  Remember that newborns can easily get over stimulated and that usually means they will become fussy.  Be careful to watch out for signs that your baby is becoming over stimulated and try to end playtime before it gets that far.  Newborns love to observe their world, spend time with their mom and dad, and soak in the new world around them.  Playtime is a great way to encourage development and have fun too.

What things did you do during playtime with your newborn?  Were there any toys or things in particular that you really found helpful and fun?