Baby Kisses: stimulating your newborn

Blow gently into your baby's palm, then stroke it, then give it a kiss. Continue this activity for 5 to 15 minutes. For a newborn simply doing these actions is stimulation enough.

As your baby grows into infancy (within a month) start to vary this activity by telling your baby what you are doing, "Mama is going to kiss your hand" then "Mama kissed your hand." You can also vary the activity for speed, stroking your baby's hand slowly or quickly.

This is a great activity to start with your newborn and continue into infancy to see how your baby's reaction to it changes.

Infant Stimulation Activity 127: hanky panky

Tie several hankies or thin scarves together. Push them into an empty tissue box. Start by pulling one out for baby. See if he understands what to do and help him along by continuing to pull out the scarf. Then watch your baby's reaction he pulls out one scarf and then another…and then another!

The fun of this activity is of course your child's reaction, but also how simple, easy and inexpensive it is to set up!

Wordless Wednesday

Infant Stimulation Activity 126: snow bound to bound for snow

Are you feeling the cabin fever in these final days of winter? Don't feel like you have to stay inside just because your baby is a baby! Naturally you do not want to be out in sub degree weather, but a blue sky and some sun even with snow still on the ground is a great time to introduce your baby to a sled ride! If you live in an area where there is going to be lots of snow, there is no better time than the present to get your baby accustomed to the great white outdoors and the fun of a sled!

You will be stimulating so many of your baby's senses. Think of how different the world looks with snow on the ground and how different it smells! Yes, your baby will be taking it all in. And how about that sensation of the sled ride.

And if your baby isn't sitting up on his own yet and therefore cannot sit in a sled, well, you can still bundle him up in a carrier and get him outside to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds.

Hope this brightens your day with thoughts of heading out the door and getting out of the house!

Infant Stimulation Activity 125: Finger Tip Touch

Allow baby to experience a touch from just your finger tips. Lightly run your finger tips across baby's belly and observe her response. After a few times turn her on her stomach and run your finger tips down her spine.

A baby 4 months or older may lift her head or even arch her back in response to finger tip touch. Watch your baby for positive signs; if she is not enjoying the experience then stop and either move to quiet time or a new activity.

Wordless Wednesday

Infant Stimulaton Activity 124: Telephone Time

Always remember that everything is new for a baby, even your speaking on the telephone. When you are on the phone, hold aby close and look at him. Your baby will enjoy watching and listening to you. He may think the conversation is just for him and he may even start contributing to the conversation with some babbling of his own!