Discover how to entertain your newborn. Parenthood is filled with countless questions and challenges, and one of the common queries I hear is, “How do I keep my newborn awake during their full awake period?” We often focus on ensuring our little ones get enough sleep, but the “awake” part of their routine is equally important. A baby who hasn’t been awake long enough (or has been awake for too long) can have difficulty settling down for sleep.
Getting your baby’s awake window right can make a significant difference in your sleep struggles. So, what can you do when your newborn seems to be dozing off before the next naptime? Let’s dive into the “Eat, Play, Sleep” routine and explore ways to keep your baby engaged and awake for their recommended awake period.
Feed Your Baby as Soon as They Wake Up
The first part of the routine is feeding your baby. For newborns, this typically means milk. Ensure they are well-fed and burped before moving on to the playtime segment.
Ideas to Entertain Your Newborn:
Playtime is crucial for your baby’s development, but how exactly do you entertain a newborn? Here are some simple activities to help keep your baby awake and engaged. Keep each activity to about five minutes to prevent boredom and ensure they get the right amount of awake time:
- Play Mat: Place your baby on a brightly coloured play mat with toys hanging overhead. Rotate these toys frequently to provide new things for them to observe and interact with.
- Soft Music: Play soft, soothing music in the background. Avoid aggressive or loud sounds, as these may cause anxiety. Music can enhance your baby’s hearing and pique their interest. Feel free to sing along!
- Bouncer: If your baby is big enough, use a baby bouncer with toys to entertain them. This can be particularly helpful when you need a moment to attend to other tasks.
- Carry Them Around: Pick up your baby and walk around the room, the house, or garden. Describe what you see and engage with them. Even though they may not understand your words yet, hearing your voice is comforting and stimulating.
- Tummy Time: Playtime is an excellent opportunity to give your baby some tummy time. This helps them build core and neck muscles essential for their development.
- Books: Reading to your baby is a wonderful activity. Show them the pictures and talk to them about the book. For babies under four months, black and white books or books with bright colours are particularly captivating.
- On You: If you feel like laying down, place your baby on top of you and play games like peek-a-boo. Interact and engage with your baby to keep them awake and stimulated.
- Nappy Change: If your baby seems to be drifting off, they might be too warm. Changing their nappy or outfit can provide a cooling sensation, re-energising them for the remainder of their awake period.
- Change of Scenery: Staying in one place for too long can lead to weariness. When you notice this, change rooms or even go outside (ensure your baby is appropriately dressed for the weather). A change of scenery can offer fresh stimulation for you and your baby.
- Mirrors: Babies often find mirrors fascinating. Let your baby see themselves and start to explore the world by placing them on a play mat in front of a full-length mirror.
As your baby grows, they’ll become more active and energetic. You’ll soon forget what it was like when they couldn’t play independently. In the meantime, these ideas can help you navigate the early days with your newborn.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need further guidance or assistance determining your baby’s optimal awake period. I’m here to help you create a tailored sleep plan for you and your little one. Happy parenting!
