Terri Ramsey Beavers As a new parent, finding opportunities to truly connect with your baby amid the chaos of everyday life is so important but not always easy. Between feedings, diaper changes, and nap times, how can you fit in quality time together?
Get creative with these 5 ideas for having fun and bonding with your little one.
1. Cuddle Up
Simply cuddling your baby skin-to-skin or while nursing promotes bonding, so make time to do this daily. Use a breastfeeding pillow to get comfy. Gaze into your baby’s eyes, stroke their head, and talk or sing softly as you hold them close.
This gentle touch and undivided attention are more than just comforting; they’re vital for your baby’s development. The warmth of your skin, the steady rhythm of your heartbeat, and the sound of your voice create a sense of safety and belonging, fostering a deep and lasting bond.
2. Read Together
Reading stimulates your baby’s mind and senses while letting them snuggle up close. Try sturdy board books with bright pictures they can grab and chew. Choose books with rhymes, songs, peek-a-boo flaps, different textures to feel, or even scents to sniff.
Make reading interactive. Point to pictures and name the objects, make silly faces and use different voices for different characters. This engages your baby and helps them develop their word-object association—a skill that often develops at the 14-month mark.
3. Get Outside
Head to a park, beach, or just your own backyard to take in the fresh air and sights together. Lay a blanket on the grass for tummy time while you sing songs and name objects in view. Take leisurely strolls while chatting about everything around you.
Venturing outdoors is more than just a change of scenery. It’s a gateway to abundant learning opportunities. As your child navigates the grass, they encounter diverse textures beneath their tiny feet and foster a love for nature.
4. Jam Out
Babies love music, so have impromptu dance parties together! Play lively tunes and hold your baby while gently swaying, spinning, or bobbing up and down. As you dance, sing along with gusto, making eye contact to share the joy and silly expressions.
You’ll be surprised at how quickly your baby becomes mesmerized by the beat and the joy on your face. These dance parties are more than just fun, though; they strengthen your bond, stimulate your developing senses, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
5. Get Messy
Set aside some time for creative sensory play like finger painting, exploring different textures with sensory bins, or experimenting with scented playdough. Make sure to cover the floor or high chair tray with paper and let your baby go wild mixing colors and smearing paint with their hands and feet.
Narrate the experience, describing the “squishy” paint, the “bright sunshine yellow,” and the “funny wiggly toes” leaving colorful prints. Don’t worry about creating a masterpiece; instead, focus on the joy of exploration and the special one-on-one time you share.
This sensory adventure isn’t just about messy fun; it’s a developmental journey. As your baby explores textures, mixes colors, and creates with their senses, their fine motor skills, visual perception, and creativity blossom.
The Power of Shared Moments
In the fast-paced blur of new parenthood, carving out pockets of time for meaningful 1:1 interaction with your little one helps strengthen the bond between parent and child. From reading cozy stories to having dance parties in sock feet, creative activities make your baby feel special while strengthening your lifelong bond.