Your baby's first month is an important period when he/she starts to discover the world and establishes a strong bond with you. The activities you do during this period both contribute to your baby's development and strengthen the bond between you. Here are some activities you can do with 1 month old babies:
Your baby's first month is an important period when he/she starts to discover the world and establishes a strong bond with you. The activities you do during this period both contribute to your baby's development and strengthen the bond between you. Here are some activities you can do with 1 month old babies:
1. Tummy Time
Benefits:
- It helps to strengthen your baby's neck, back and shoulder muscles.
- Develops head control skills.
- It lays the foundation for motor skills.
How to do it:
- Place your baby on the tummy and start with short periods (a few minutes a day).
- Make eye contact with him, talk and smile.
- Attract his/her attention by using colourful toys or mirrors.
2. Speaking and Singing
Benefits:
- Supports language development.
- Provides auditory stimulation.
- It allows your baby to get used to and recognise your voice.
How to do it:
- Face your baby face to face and speak slowly and clearly.
- Sing simple and repetitive songs.
- Keep his/her interest by using different tones and rhythms.
3. Eye Contact and Facial Expressions
Benefits:
- Supports social and emotional development.
- Develops the ability to recognise facial expressions of babies.
- It reinforces the sense of trust.
How to Make:
- Hold your baby on your lap or sit close to him/her.
- Bring your face closer to his face and make different facial expressions.
- Smile, blink and use your facial expressions to observe his/her reactions.
4. Light Massage
Benefits:
- Improves muscle development and circulation.
- Provides relaxation and peace in babies.
- Strengthens the bond between parent and baby.
How to Make:
- Lay your baby on a comfortable surface.
- Massage with gentle movements using baby oil or lotion.
- Gently rub his arms, legs and back.
5. Playing with Coloured Objects
Benefits:
- Provides visual stimulation.
- Improves focus and attention skills.
- Helps babies to explore their surroundings.
How to Make:
- Choose brightly coloured, soft and safe toys.
- Place the toys close to your baby and make sure they attract his/her attention.
- Encourage your baby to follow the toys with his/her eyes by moving them slowly.
6. Book Reading
Benefits:
- Helps to develop language and vocabulary.
- Provides visual and auditory stimulation.
- It allows you to spend quality time with the baby.
How to Make:
- Choose age-appropriate books with large, colourful pictures.
- Read simple and repetitive stories.
- Change your tone of voice to enliven the story and encourage your baby to listen attentively.
7. Lullaby Singing and Rocking
Benefits:
- It relaxes your baby and facilitates the transition to sleep.
- Increases the feeling of trust and commitment.
- Develops rhythm and music perception.
How to Make:
- Hold your baby in your lap and gently rock him/her.
- Sing a lullaby in a soft voice.
- Observe your baby's reactions and feel him/her relax.
These simple but effective activities will contribute greatly to the development of your 1-month-old baby and strengthen the bond between you. Enjoy every moment and enjoy this special period.