5 Newborn Play Ideas to Boost Baby Brain Development

You’ve finally brought your baby home, and now that you’re settling in, you might find yourself wondering, how do you actually play with a newborn?

They mostly eat, sleep, poop, and stare at you on repeat.

Especially in those first few weeks, it can be hard to figure out what to do together.

There’s no talking, no pretend play, no toy cars or dolls. So what does “play” even look like with a baby who can barely hold up their own head?

The first step is adjusting your expectations. Newborn play doesn’t look like toddler play or even like what you’ll do with your baby a few months from now.

It’s less about toys and more about bonding. Every little interaction helps your baby feel:

1. Safe

2. Connected

3. Ready to explore the world as they grow

You might be surprised to learn that play is one of the biggest ways to boost your baby’s brain development from the newborn stage through early childhood.

It’s how babies...

1. Learn

2. Communicate

3. Build a secure relationship with you.

In this post, we’ll cover five low-stress, real-life ways to play with your newborn that fit easily into your everyday routine.

Tip 1:

Talk, Sing, and Narrate Everything

From the moment your baby is born, they already recognize your voice.

Talking and singing not only help them learn about the world, it strengthens your connection. And your voice offers comfort, safety, and familiarity in a world that’s completely new.

As they watch your face, your baby begins to learn your expressions and associate your face with the voice they’ve known all along.

All this talking isn’t just about bonding, it also lays the foundation for language development.

Research even shows that reading aloud during pregnancy can begin boosting a baby’s language skills before birth. (Click here to see more about the research.)

So how do you do this in everyday life?

Narrate what’s happening around you. Say things like...

• “Now we’re going to change your diaper” 

• “Let’s spend some time outside” 

• "Wow, the dogs are barking and it's loud"

It may feel silly at first, especially since your baby can’t respond, but remember, they’re listening to your tone, watching your face, and soaking in every word.

You can also make it fun for yourself. Create a playlist of songs you love, yes, you don't just have to sing kids songs and lullabies. Sing along while rocking or holding your baby.

When you’re out of words, just talk, about anything. Tell your baby about your day, your plans, make up a silly story, or even talk about what show you’re watching.

It’s not about what you say, it’s about your voice, your presence, and the comfort it brings.

Tip 2:

Face Time (No Phone Required)

When your baby is awake and alert, use that time to really look at each other. You can lay your baby on the bed and lean over them, or hold them in your arms while you make eye contact.

This simple back-and-forth “conversation” teaches your baby to recognize facial expressions, emotions, and tone of voice, and even helps strengthen their vision.

By around three months, babies can start telling the difference between happiness and sadness just by looking at your face.

So the more chances they get to study you, the more they learn.

Try smiling, copying your baby’s little grunts or coos, or making funny faces. At first, you may not get much of a reaction, but as your baby approaches three months, you’ll start to see smiles, coos, and even laughter in return.

Practice “turn-taking.” Say something, pause, and wait to see if your baby reacts, maybe with a sound, a kick, or a grin. Then respond again.

This back-and-forth rhythm helps your baby learn communication and social skills long before they ever speak. It’s the earliest form of a conversation.

Tip 3:

Activity Time (Yes, Even for Newborns)

While babies love being held, they also need opportunities to move freely and explore their bodies.

Doctors often talk about tummy time, but really, any safe time for your baby to move and stretch is valuable.

It helps them build strength and coordination, preparing for milestones like reaching, rolling, and crawling.

Start small. Some babies love tummy time right away; others get frustrated quickly. If your baby hates it, don’t push.

Try placing them on your chest while you recline instead. They’ll still work those neck and core muscles while feeling safe, close to you.

For gassy babies, lying flat on their belly can be uncomfortable, so holding them upright against your chest is another great option.

You can also lie down on the floor with your baby so your face is right in front of theirs. This helps them feel supported and keeps playtime social. Incorporate earlier tips like talking, singing, or playing with expressions while they move.

Since babies love high-contrast visuals, try placing a black-and-white toy or simple object in front of them to look at. Remember, newborns only have a few minutes of awake, alert time between naps. Even short sessions like 3-5 minutes, a few times a day, makes a difference.

Tip 4:

High-Contrast Play

Newborns can’t see color clearly at first. Their vision is blurry, and they see best at about 8–12 inches away, the perfect distance for your face.

High-contrast colors like black, white, and red stand out the most, which is why babies tend to be fascinated by them.

You can use high-contrast books to engage your baby’s vision. Point out shapes or patterns while reading or sing softly as you turn the pages.

Another fun idea is hanging black-and-white or red toys from a baby gym or mobile. There are many brands that offer great newborn-friendly options.

And don’t forget, you can be the toy! Babies love faces and patterns. If you’re wearing stripes, checks, or bold colors, they’ll probably stare right at you.

I used to wear a navy-and-white checkered dress that my daughter loved to look at every time I held her. Be creative! Your baby might even enjoy looking at a patterned pillow, your pet, or something decorative in your home.

Tip 5:

Sensory Touch and Movement

Every interaction your baby has helps them learn through their senses: how things feel, smell, sound, and even taste.

Giving them safe sensory experiences helps build awareness and comfort in their environment.

Bath time is one of the easiest ways to introduce sensory play. The warmth of the water, the gentle texture of soap, and your soothing touch during massage afterward create a calm, multi-sensory experience. It’s also a wonderful chance to bond.

Offer your baby different textures to feel such as a soft blanket, a cool washcloth, or your shirt. You’ll probably notice them grabbing jewelry, hair, or clothing, which is a normal way to explore. There are also many baby toys designed with different materials such as crinkles, bumps, and more for safe sensory play.

Movement counts, too. Rocking, gentle bouncing, or babywearing helps your little one experience motion and closeness.

Skin-to-skin time is another powerful form of sensory play. Holding your baby against your chest lets them hear your heartbeat; the same familiar sound that comforted them for months before birth. It can help regulate their temperature, reduce stress, and build a deep sense of safety.

Let's Wrap This Up!

When it comes to your baby’s development, it’s easy to feel pressure, from friends, family, social media, even pediatricians, to “do it all.” But newborn play is not about checking boxes or teaching advanced skills.

✔️Play is about connection, especially at this age

✔️Try to avoid pressure for your baby to meet milestones

✔️You don't need fancy toys. Just use everyday things around your home that catch your baby’s attention.

Remember: You are your baby's favorite thing.

 ✨If you’re ready to make the first year a little less overwhelming, check out my course Surviving the First Year. It’s filled with real-life guidance, developmental tips, and emotional support to help you thrive, not just survive, through every stage of your baby’s first year.

👇 Click here to enroll and start feeling confident today.