Play Time with 8-Week Old

One thing that my husband and I did was lay our son on his back and dangled a colorful giraffe toy with bells on it above his head. It had many colors for him to watch and made some noises. He would kick his legs like crazy and make noises. After we realized how much he enjoyed that, we got a play mat that had little animals that moved and played music over his face.

We also made sure to have "tummy time" at least a couple times a day. That was probably the most important thing we could have done... he didn't like it at first, but it's a very important part of babies development.

Also, keep the music and books going. You can never go wrong with that!

The biggest thing I regret from my daughter being that age is not holding her and cuddling with her enough. There is always play time, tummy time, mommy making baby giggle but they grow up so fast........ get all your cuddles in now when you go to work and she's in daycare all day and you get home from work tired and busy she'll always be getting her play time but she won't always have the cuddling love time.

I suggest you look for Kindermusik classes in your area. These exciting classes for parent and child use music to nurture the development of the whole child and the baby classes include infant massage, baby sign language, dancing, instrument exploration, socialisation and more. Visit http://www.EarlyChildhoodMusicOfAmes.com for more information and a chance to register for a FREE preview visit.

***Oh-I remembered something else!*** Massages! I never took the official classes, but simply putting baby on changing table so he was closer to my face, and staring into his eyes while slowly rubbing lotion into his little arms, legs, tummy, etc., was so soothing and intimate--great bonding time!

When my boys were that age, I would put them in the baby bjorn (or a sling would serve the same purpose) and just have them along for the ride, whatever it was I was doing--cleaning, playing with the older brother, walking the dog, etc. Narrating as you go, this "slice of life" is a wonderful education for little ones, and gets them used to your routine at an early age. Congrats, and enjoy your time off!!!

Hi A.,

I agree with Beth - enjoy those cuddles!!! I think that is what is best for your daughter's development at her young age, and it does go by sooooo fast.... she'll be crawling away from you all too soon. Talking to her is another way that you let her know she matters to you. You're doing a fantastic job!

=)
A.

I have read and have been told many times by my doctor that brain development is best stimulated using touch and talking. It sounds like you are doing the right things - holding her and talking to her. My 12 week old also loves to be held while I am reading to my older daughter so maybe try reading to her....also songs like the itsy bitsy spider and wheels on the bus that include hand movements that she can watch - that thrills my little one as well.