Newly born parents are usually full of joy and pride and do their best to care for the newborn. The first worries arise when the offspring does not want to eat (enough). However, if a baby does not want to play, many parents either do not notice it or are perceived as less worrying. Age-appropriate play is important for good development right from the start.
What does “playing” mean with a baby?
From birth, a newborn baby explores the environment outside the womb in a playful way. Objects, surfaces and the skin of the parents are captured again and again with all senses. The first 12 months, in particular, are a milestone in the development of the child’s senses. Basic pillars for mental health such as basic trust are formed. When playing with the newborn, parents intuitively notice when the child is bored and when too many impressions cause excessive demands. In general, every interaction with the newborn can be viewed as a game or a toy.
How can I empower my baby with positive feedback?
In playing with your own child, self-confidence, imagination, independence and creativity are lovingly promoted and developed. These include skin contact, cuddling and movement games as well as words, rhymes, songs and word games. Babies in particular have an extraordinary instinct for imitation. They constantly play with their tongue and lips and form the first sounds that turn into babbling over the course of the weeks. If caregivers pay attention to the child, they will reap enthusiasm and satisfaction. First answer games and the willingness to respond to the offspring’s need to play give the baby a positive feeling.
How can I sharpen my baby’s senses?
By observing the newborn, adults quickly discover how the offspring responds to new stimuli almost daily. To promote the development of the senses, mothers and fathers can always offer new stimuli: the movement of the leaves under a tree, a new mobile, different surfaces that the child can touch with the skin, new sounds and songs, finger games and much more. There are no limits to the parents’ imagination and creativity.
Which games can be integrated into swaddling, bathing, breastfeeding, cuddling, etc.?
The older the new citizen gets, the more playful rituals provide security and security. Finger games, songs and rhymes can be integrated while changing, cuddling and going to bed. Adults can keep a close eye on the development of the child and adapt the interaction to the development of the offspring.
Caressing massages and tickling verses will quickly put your child in awe. Carrying and rocking games can help lull the child to sleep, the first kicking games such as “cycling” help the newborn with flatulence and discomfort. Here you will find more tips on how you can support your baby in everyday life!
If you take care of your newborn, you will quickly recognize preferences in the game and can respond to them. As a mother or father, you quickly and intuitively know what your child wants. Be brave and creative and try different things. If you want, find out about courses and groups where you can learn and try out age-appropriate games together with your child.
