Prenatal Tips for Your Newborn
Your baby depends on you to play with her. Even at this young age, your baby will try to tell you that she wants to play. When she is giving you this message, be ready to play. The best time to play is when your baby is awake and alert. Her eyes will be open and bright, her face relaxed and alert, and her breathing regular. At the beginning you must "catch" these moments. They don't happen very often and they don't last long.
- A baby likes to look at faces. First, make eye contact. When the baby looks at you, begin to talk. Say, “Look at you. You're gorgeous!”
- If your baby continues to look at you, keep talking. If your baby stops looking at you and if you want to play some more, try to get her attention by changing the pitch or rhythm of your voice.
- Call her by name. When she looks at you again, make faces, smile, and laugh. Remember to stay about 8 inches from your baby's eyes. This is where she can see you best.
Learn more about Your Newborn Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
