The first year of having a baby can be full of excitement for new parents. However, the first year also goes by really quickly. Before you know it, you’ll be planning their first birthday party, smashing cakes and finding the perfect outfit.
Until then, you’ll want to make the most of your time by doing activities that you and your little one will enjoy. Below is a round-up of fun activities you and your baby can do in the first year.
1. Teach Your Baby Sign Language
Teaching your baby sign language may be the greatest thing you can do as a parent. Though your infant may not be able to give you signs, it’s the perfect opportunity to teach them communication.
And as your baby gets older, they’ll be able to tell you what they need instead of hearing them wail. Therefore, you understand their thoughts and establish an even further bond.
Start teaching your baby sign language as young as six months old. At that age, they can begin to connect the meaning and sounds of words.
2. Care For Your Baby’s Teeth
Start caring for your baby’s teeth before they grow. The sooner you start, the more your baby gets used to it, and the easier you can turn it into a daily routine.
Even though your baby has no teeth, you can still care for the gums after feeding. For instance, gently wipe your baby’s gums twice a day with a moistened washcloth or piece of gauze.
3. Take Pictures Everyday
The first year of your infant’s life will go extremely fast. In the blink of an eye, you’ll wonder where your tiny one went. Therefore, you should take as many pictures as possible because you’ll want to reflect on them and reminisce.
Ensure you invest in a good smartphone with an excellent camera — and remember to keep an eye on their milestones. For all the special photos, you can even print pictures and create a baby’s first-year photo album.
4. Get Professional Photos Taken
You could have a million photos stored on your phone. However, there’s nothing as fulfilling as having their first photos done professionally.
The events you won’t want to miss for professional photography are the baby’s first Christmas and birthday. Consider scheduling ahead to ensure you get them done on time.
5. Read to Your Baby
Reading is great in general for all kids. Yet, the earlier you start reading to your baby, the better. While your infant won’t understand all that you’re doing or why — reading aloud has many benefits, including the following:
- Teaches your baby communication.
- Introduces shapes, colors, numbers and letters.
- Helps build skills in memory, listening and vocabulary.
- Provides them with information about everything around them.
Often, the more stories you read, the more you enrich your baby’s brain. And by the time they turn two, they’ll have more words in their vocabulary than children who don’t read with their parents.
6. Exercise With Your Baby
When the doctor clears you for postpartum exercise, take advantage of it. Working out provides you with many health benefits — and it’s especially helpful for toning weak muscles, relieving stress, boosting energy and helping you sleep.
Finding time to work out is an issue most parents can relate to every day. Of course, you could squeeze in some time during your baby’s naps. However, working out with your baby sounds much better and easier.
For instance, you could try the Baby Overhead Press workout. This exercise helps tone your arm muscles by sitting cross-legged while holding your baby in front of you. Then, you can lift the baby upward, pause and lower the baby to the starting position.
7. Travel
Traveling with your baby is a great idea. While it might seem like a daunting task, many parents find it to be a wonderful experience. Plus, some experts claim that traveling can significantly boost their development.
One of the best parts about going places with your baby is they can fly for free until they’re two. Be sure to look for travel deals on different sites. You may even want to consider an all-inclusive resort or Disney World.
Taking advantage of traveling with your baby is the perfect chance for the whole family to book a getaway.
8. Bond as Much as Possible
Bonding is essential for your baby. It provides a sense of security and boosts their self-esteem later in life. Plus, your responsiveness to your baby’s signals can affect your kid’s social and cognitive development.
Ensure you make time for bonding by using skin-to-skin contact. This method can be soothing for you and the baby. Plus, it can promote their growth and development.
Another way to bond is to wear them with a baby carrier. You can take them practically anywhere — and they’ll love the closeness they feel to you.
9. Make Bathtime Fun
Once your baby is ready for the bathtub, you can make bathtime fun with lots of bubbles, games and toys.
Baths for the baby are like a personal waterpark for them. It’s also another excellent way to bond with your infant.
Toys for your infant allow for imaginary play. Be sure to choose the right ones to encourage your little one to learn.
For example, plastic cups of various sizes are a great way for them to fill and dump water while having a set of sea animals floating around.
Make the Most of Your Time With Your Little One
Sometimes life goes by way too fast — and having a baby can be one of your greatest joys. Yet, this list of things will keep both of you happy when it comes to making the most of your time with them. Plus, your baby will be well-loved, and they’ll keep learning as they go along.
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