Playtime with your 2-month-old

Playtime with your 2-month-old. I can not believe where the time is going, you can read all about Harry’s 2-month-old baby milestones here! But it only seems like yesterday he was a newborn baby and now he is a two-month-old baby! Since his sleeping schedule is becoming more predictable during the day, I have started to introduce play sessions. I do mean play in the very looses of sense of the word but he seems to enjoy it. I was starting to struggle with him grizzling a bit and being unsettled after feeding and I think it could be because he was bored. Mad I know!!

Playtime with your 2-month-old

Generally, he tends to want to eat, play (awake time), sleep. Don’t get me wrong he is still sleeping a lot during the day which I encourage after all we all know how important it is. But generally, there is an hour or so after he has fed where he wants to interact. So here are the different ways we have been enjoying play activities. Including lots of cuddle time of course and the best thing is they don’t have to be hard work. 

Smiling

Kipper has started smiling and it melts my heart. He’s not particularly free with his smiles so I have been encouraging them whenever possible. With simple games. As he’s started to mirror what I do, especially the facial expressions I often throw the odd tongue poke and screwing up of nose as well. As well as different sounds. He seems to find the whole process enthralling! And it is a fun way to get more smiles!

Getting out and about

Regular readers will know that I love to spend time outside often at National Trust properties and have a ton of visits planned for the Summer. If we aren’t on a day out I try to get Kipper out in his pram every day with even just a short walk down the road. He loves looking all around in different directions. Unless it is raining of course as you don’t get to see much with the rain cover on! A great way for me to get some exercise and fresh air too.

Kicking around outside

Following on from getting out and about when we stop for lunch I will often let Harry have a kick around on the grass. I have noticed that he really likes to watch the leaves in the trees and seems to finds it very soothing. He’s at the age when the movement of his arms and legs is new and exciting so it’s important to give him lots of chances to practice. As is an early Summer baby this works well for us. All I do is pop him down on a padded throw and he is happy as can be. Which also gives me a chance to catch up with NCT friends over a coffee.

Tummy time

The dreaded tummy time! I know a lot of friends whose’s babies aren’t keen on floor time of any type. Harry isn’t too bad, as he gets stronger in his upper body I will be looking for ways to enhance the experience for him. However, at the moment we just use a little mat that comes with a specific cushion. Although a rolled-up hand towel would do the job. If you place the baby’s arms over it so it is under their armpits it will help to support their chest in the early months.

Sensory play

I chose different objects out of Charlie’s Textile Treasure Basket – a sequin scarf, silk scarf, wool pom pom and some cellophane. All different textures. I then gave them to Kipper in turn letting him feel and touch them with his baby hands. He seemed to like the silk scarf the best. Although he was interested in the sound the cellophane made. Over time I will introduce other materials and interesting objects to him as well – it’s never too early to start sensory play or fine motor skills.

READ MORE – Textile Treasure Basket

Talking, singing and reading

I often have conversations with Harry about all sorts of things! (But I avoid baby language and goo goo garrr garr speak.) He has started to try and talk back making gurgling noises and smiling. I think he likes the sound of your voice. As I read to Charlie I am now including both of the boys and thankfully they don’t mind my nursery rhymes singing voice. I am hoping it will help both boys’ communication skills and language skills. Harry also enjoys looking at picture books.

Encouraging batting

As you can see from the photos above Kipper loves his bright colors play mat, in the last week or so he has started to bat the toys hanging down. The little gurgles of delight are lovely and any encouragement will go towards helping his hand-eye coordination and motor development. So much fun! I have found that Charlie enjoys watching his younger brother do this. And has even joined in on occasion laying down next to him. There is nothing more special than watching siblings bond. 

Introducing the mirror

I have an A3 acrylic unbreakable mirror which I have started to use to show Harry his reflection. It is encased in fabric so that there are no sharp edges. At the moment he sort of stares blankly!! But I am sure over time he will start to take more interest. I like the size as it means I can also be in the reflection too, making silly faces and joining in with playtime. It can also act as a good distractor for tummy time when it all gets too much. I am finding that the mirror will extend it slightly.

Black and white images

Somewhere up in the loft, I have some black and white books from when Charlie was tiny. However, since I need to wait for Hubby to get them I decided to google black and white images. There are lots available on the internet for free. To date, I have just shown them to him while he’s been on his play mat or during tummy time. The black and white images will help his brain development and create a sensory experience. You can read more about how here. The good thing is that with all the free resources that are available online you don’t have to spend a fortune on creating something.

READ MORE – Black and white sensory box

What have you been doing for playtime with your little ones? I would love to hear about them in the comments below. Or if there are other things you have noticed as your baby gets to two months. It all goes so quickly I want to sit back and soak it all up before it is too late. 

There are a number of other baby-related articles which you may find interesting. I have linked a couple below. For all my baby content please click on the tag baby below the newsletter signup box.

• 33 Baby keepsakes
• 12 Uses for giant muslins
• 10 Baby essentials for the first 6 months

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