When your little one is up before sunrise, keeping them happy and entertained until bedtime can feel like a full-blown mission. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do with a newborn or you’re wondering how to occupy a soon-to-be one-year-old, we’ve pulled together a bunch of baby-friendly activities for you to try, helping you create some super special moments along the way!
From sensory games to tummy time and nursery rhymes, we’ve got you covered with options for babies of all ages.
Just quickly before we dive into our ideas on what to do with a baby, here’s a little sneak peek of our wonderful new baby cards:
If you’ve got a friend or loved one who’s recently welcomed a little one into the world, send them a thoughtful card to help celebrate their latest adventure.
1. Create a baby sensory zone
Sensory play gives babies an opportunity to explore new textures, sounds, sights, and smells (all while having plenty of fun). If you’re new to sensory play, here are a few easy ideas to try:
- Mirror games: Position your little one near a mirror so they can see their own reflection and interact with it. Sit back and watch them smile and engage!
- DIY sensory bottles: Fill an empty bottle with sensory materials of your choice (sequins and glitter mixed with water work well for some swirling magic). Once you’re done, use a non-toxic glue to secure the cap and prevent any spills.
- Sponges and water: Pop some sponges in a shallow tray of water then allow little hands to squeeze and explore!
- Musical toys: Instruments like rattles and shakers are a great way to keep little ones entertained. Just remember to always supervise and make sure everything is baby-safe!
2. Set up tummy time
Tummy time isn’t just great for strengthening baby’s neck and back muscles, it’s also a chance for you to play and connect with your little one. Just lay them down on a soft mat or blanket for a few short sessions throughout the day. And don’t forget, you can make tummy time extra fun with toys, songs, and silly faces!
3. Play peekaboo
Peekaboo just never gets old, getting even the youngest babies giggling. Use a muslin cloth, your hands, or even hide behind the sofa, then peek at your little one and watch as their face lights up.
4. Have a water play session
Babies love splashing around, so setting up a little water play session is a great way to keep them happy. Fill a baby tub with lukewarm water, then encourage them to play with floating toys, cups, and games.
5. Sing, rhyme, or read
If you’re looking for fun things to do with a newborn, there’s always the option of singing a few classic nursery rhymes. Just dig out some old favourites like Wind the Bobbin Up or The Wheels on the Bus for a guaranteed smile.
Not exactly been blessed with nursery rhyme-worthy vocals? Grab a book and read it out loud instead. Soft picture books are ideal for younger babies, while simple rhyming books are perfect for those a little older.
6. Embrace the chaos
Babies are experts when it comes to getting messy, so they shouldn’t need much encouragement with this activity… Just grab some baby-safe paint and a huge sheet of paper then let them create a wonderfully chaotic masterpiece.
Maybe schedule this one for just before bath time for a stress-free clean-up!
7. Dance it out
Need a little mood lift? Pop baby in a carrier, press play on your favourite playlist, then have an at-home kitchen disco. You’ll be able to dance it out to your favourite tunes, shake off the tiredness from those sleepless nights, and hopefully get a few giggles out of your little one.
At bedtime, try switching to a relaxing playlist to soothe baby to sleep. Who knows, this might just become your favourite nightly tradition.
8. Create a mini obstacle course
If your baby’s crawling, we love the idea of transforming your living room into a baby-safe obstacle course. Use pillows, rolled blankets, soft tunnels and cushions, then encourage them to make their way through to reach you (or perhaps their favourite toy).
9. Relax in nature
Wondering what to do with a baby on a sunny spring day? Just grab a picnic blanket and head outside to your garden or local park. Let baby gaze up at the sky, feel the grass tickle their feet, and lounge around in your lap.
Gloomy day? No problem, bundle them into their pram, then head out for a relaxing stroll. A change of scenery (and some fresh air) might just work wonders for the both of you.
10. Visit a local attraction
You don’t need to wait until they’re walking to enjoy days out, with places like zoos, aquariums, and libraries being ideal for even the youngest babies.
Aquariums are calm, cool, and offer plenty of visual intrigue (perfect for little curious eyes). And for older babies, a trip to the zoo to see the animals is a guaranteed winner! Pro tip: Try visiting during off-peak times for a calmer trip that won’t leave you feeling frazzled…
And there you have it, ten of our favourite ideas for things to do with a baby! Whether you’ve got a scrunched-up newborn or an eleven-month-old who’s becoming more and more curious about the world, just pick an activity from the above and get stuck in.
Looking for more baby-themed insights? You’ll find plenty over on the thortful blog. There you can dive into our guide on how to plan a baby shower (perfect for if your friend or loved one is soon to be welcoming their very own bundle of joy).
