Play and learning: newborn to three months

Babies are born to learn and their brains develop through use, forming connections as they watch, listen, play, experiment, and explore their environment. You’re their first teacher, and they keep learning from you as they get older.  

Give yourself and your pēpi lots of playtime. These periods of play will probably be very short, because your newborn will get tired easily and can’t focus on anything for too long.  

Connections are made in the brain as you interact and play with your baby. Simple “serve and return” interactions - where your pēpi connects with you by ‘serving’ a movement, facial expression, or sound and you ‘return’ by responding to them and then waiting for their reaction - help make strong connections in developing brains. 

Play may feel a bit one-sided in those first few weeks, but your baby will soon start to respond and join in. Try: 

• making funny faces, smiling, poking out your tongue 
• sing, chat, tell stories, enjoy nursery rhymes together. Rhymes like “this little piggy went to market” and “round the round the garden” are really fun
• reading to your baby, holding the book close so your newborn can see the images
• tickling, blowing raspberries, counting fingers and toes 
• giving your baby different things to look at – outside, inside, different people and different places 
• help them explore their senses – let them splash in the bath, feel different textures, smell different scents 
• use rhythm and motion – play music with them, rock them gently as you hold them  
• mix it up – they need variety to make new connections in their brain and body. Vary the pitch of your voice when you talk to them, take them into different rooms, show them new places, introduce them to new materials they can touch and move
• tummy time and floor play can be fun right from the beginning – babies spend a lot of time lying on their backs and tummy time is great to support their development. You can give pēpi tummy time lying on the floor, across your lap or on your chest. This helps them practise holding their head up, and gives them a different view of their world. Tummy time might be very short to start with as your baby builds up strength. Lying with them, talking and singing to them, or showing them a toy or book may help encourage them to spend time on their tummy. A little frustration is normal and helps them learn, but be guided by pēpi as to how long they can tolerate it – and always stay with them to keep them safe. You are your baby's playground at this age, so make the most of this special time together. The below links contain some more info and ways to do tummy time with your baby.  

Play takes lots of energy, so your baby might get tired or need a break. They’ll let you know by looking away from you, getting restless, getting grumpy, or seeming disinterested.  

When they’re ready to play again they may turn towards you, look at you, move their arms and legs, or make sounds.