10 Free Activities You Can Do With Your Baby

Simple Things to Do With An Infant

Recently delivered and still bleary eyed from your birthing experience? Suffering from sleep deprivation and want some easy no-cost things to do in the minutes between feeding, napping, and changing your infant? If you don’t have time to read an article much less a book, use this handy list for ideas on how to spend quality time with your infant, without losing your sanity. 

Go for a Walk: Sometimes you both need a change of scenery. Even if the weather doesn’t cooperate, getting geared up to go out can give you purpose and take up some time. But as a bonus, walks are nap-friendly, whether you choose a carrier or stroller. And a five minute walk doesn’t require the entire diaper bag, but can provide loads of stimulation for you both.

Look Out the Window: If you don’t feel up for an actual outing, you can still look out the window. Sometimes the natural light and objects swaying in the breeze can soothe a cranky infant (or parent). Your baby can look over your shoulder out into the world. Or face the window together and talk about what you can spot.

Sing a Song: It doesn’t have to be the same nursery song over and over, either! Choose one of your favorites and belt it out. No one will care if you sing in tune. Can’t remember all the words? No problem! Make up your own or hum instead.

Read a Book: Choose one of those many board books and pick it up. You can read the words as written, flip quietly through the pages, or just comment on the illustrations. This activity works wonders if you want to talk to your baby but can’t come up with anything to say.

Talk to Your Baby: It may feel strange to talk to someone who can’t talk back, but your baby understands more than you might think. Try narrating whatever you’re doing as a starting point. You can work your way up to more meaningful interactions as you get the hang of one-sided conversations.

Dance: Show your child your big moves! Whether you slide around or shimmy up and down, babies enjoy the motion. You can put on a performance while your baby watches with no fear of a bad review or critical comments. Or pick up your newest partner and go for a spin around the room together.

Play Music: Pick something that suits your mood. Whether you want a relaxing session of classical music or something that makes you feel more energetic, music provides a lot of stimulation. You might even discover your infant has preferences, so try lots of different styles and music from different eras.

Video Call: Other people also love seeing your baby! When you get tired of one-sided conversations, don’t hesitate to reach out. Friends and family love to see how much your baby changes from day to day, even if it’s only virtual. Make a list that includes people in different time zones, so you have people you can reach around the clock.

Sit Outside: Take your parenting game outside. Whether you’ve got a porch, a deck, a balcony, or just an open window, fresh air can do wonders. Spend a couple minutes together outside and see how your mood changes. 

Take the Stairs: Want some exercise without leaving the house? Carry your infant up and down the stairs. If you don’t have any at your house or apartment, try the local park, library, or community center. While this activity isn’t stroller friendly, it pairs wonderfully with infant carriers. And many babies find the motion soothing.

Still searching for yourself in all the baby mess? That’s another matter entirely. In the meantime, help pass the minutes with some of these baby-approved activities. Whether you’re just getting up and about or in your tenth week of maternity leave, these free and simple ideas work any time of the day or night.