become more predictable for you and your baby, and your planned pattern
of routine feedings with your baby completely participating will begin to
take shape.
Waketime activities include times when you and your baby will be
together and times when your baby will explore his or her new world
alone.
Mom, Dad, and Baby Together
Feeding: Whether bottle- or breast-feeding, you will spend much of your
day holding your baby while feeding him or her.
Singing: At birth, a baby responds to his or her mom’s and dad’s voices.
Talk and sing to your baby during waketimes, remembering that learning
is always taking place.
Reading: It’s never too soon to read to your baby or to show the baby
colorful picture books (especially cardboard or plastic ones that the baby
can explore on his or her own). Your infant loves to hear the sound of
your voice and inflections.
Bathing: This is another pleasant routine for you and your baby. You can
sing, tell your child which part of his or her body you are washing, or just
have fun splashing.
Walking: Taking time for a stroll outside is great for you and your little
one. You can sing or talk while you are walking, and the fresh air is good
for both of you.
Playing: Initially, you can’t play much with a newborn. A few early play
activities are flirting with your baby, smiling, talking, and gently moving
his or her arms and legs and, of course, cuddling with your newborn. That
is more than fun; it is a necessary way to express physical love to him or
her.
Baby Alone
Pictures: Putting bright pictures and patterns around the nursery is a
great way to stimulate your baby visually.