{"id":210069,"date":"2026-04-30T14:03:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:03:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/?p=210069"},"modified":"2026-04-30T14:03:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:03:36","slug":"interactive-activities-for-newborns-babies-and-toddlers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/interactive-activities-for-newborns-babies-and-toddlers\/","title":{"rendered":"10 interactive activities for newborns, babies and toddlers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>You may not be able to discuss foreign policy with newborns, babies or toddlers, but interacting with them &mdash; specifically in the form of play or loosely structured activities &mdash; is crucial, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/family-life\/power-of-play\/Pages\/the-power-of-play-how-fun-and-games-help-children-thrive.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Academy of Pediatrics<\/a> (AAP). The AAP notes that when children play and interact with parents or caregivers starting at a young age, it helps their overall health and development. That being said, due to an increase in rigid schedules, a decrease in safe spaces and (of course) screentime, playtime has declined in the past few years.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Looking to set your child up for a lifetime of play, along with a number of serious benefits? Here are 10 interactive activities you can do with newborns, babies and toddlers.&nbsp;<\/p><div class=\"wp-block-custom-dynamic-list key-takeaways-block\"><h3>Key takeaways<\/h3><div class=\"key-takeaways-container\"><ul><li>Interactive play is essential for early childhood development, helping babies and toddlers build brain architecture, language skills, emotional regulation and social connection. Even simple actions like talking, singing and playing can have long-term benefits for learning and resilience.<\/li><li>For newborns and young babies, everyday interactions such as tummy time, massage and singing strengthen physical development and deepen caregiver bonding. As babies grow, structured activities like music classes, yoga and simple games further support communication and cognitive growth.<\/li><li>Toddler play becomes more complex through activities like pretend play, puzzles and games like Simon Says, which build listening skills, creativity and problem-solving. Across all stages, shared play time between caregivers and children is one of the most powerful drivers of healthy development.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-interactive-activities-for-newborns\" data-toc-id=\"448d2d03\">Interactive activities for newborns<\/h2><p>They may be tiny, but their brains are developing mightily, making interactive play wildly meaningful at this point. Here are a few super-simple activities to consider for babies 0 to 3 months.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-talking\">1. Talking<\/h3><p>Chances are, as a parent, grandparent or nanny, you innately do this, and that&rsquo;s good! <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC5510534\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research<\/a> has shown that simply talking to babies can help with brain development, which in turn, can lead to quicker learning and speech development.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Further, <a href=\"https:\/\/news.ufl.edu\/2021\/12\/the-importance-of-baby-talk\/#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20suggests%20that,understand%20what%20we're%20saying.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">speaking to newborns<\/a> in a high-pitched voice with a &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/news.ufl.edu\/2021\/12\/the-importance-of-baby-talk\/#:~:text=A%20new%20study%20suggests%20that,understand%20what%20we're%20saying.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">baby talk<\/a>&rdquo; cadence has been shown to help develop sound patterns, focus and the eventual production of their own words.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-singing\">2. Singing<\/h3><p>Singing to your newborn packs many of the same benefits as talking to them (think: language development and focus), but a 2020 study from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.westernsydney.edu.au\/babylab\/news_and_media\/featured_stories\/babylab_research_playsongs_and_lullabies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Western Sydney University<\/a> found that when parents or caregivers sing to newborns, it actually strengthens the bond between them (in a way talking cannot).<\/p><p>Singing, the study found, contributes to the emotional communication between parents\/caregivers and babies via the following:<\/p><ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Sharing and increasing positive emotions.<\/li><li>Soothing or calming negative emotions.<\/li><li>Taking joy in the child.<\/li><\/ul><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-tummy-time\">3. Tummy time<\/h3><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/when-to-start-tummy-time-with-your-baby-an\/\">Tummy time<\/a>, which, so long as baby is awake, can be started right away, is a great way for babies to increase neck and shoulder strength, as well as develop the muscles and coordination needed for opening up their hands in order to grasp things.&nbsp;<\/p><p>Babies should never be left alone during tummy time, so it&rsquo;s also the perfect opportunity to get down on their level and sing or talk to them, too.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-massage\">4. Massage<\/h3><p>Everyone loves a massage &mdash; even newborns! Use a little lotion and give your baby an infant massage, which, according to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthychildren.org\/English\/ages-stages\/baby\/Pages\/the-benefits-of-baby-massage.aspx#:~:text=How%20infant%20massage%20benefits%20your,such%20as%20irritability%20and%20sleeplessness\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">AAP<\/a>, can help with sleep, relaxation, digestion and more. Also, it&rsquo;s adorable.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-interactive-activities-for-babies\" data-toc-id=\"9745183e\">Interactive activities for babies<\/h2><p>The older your baby is, the more you can do with them. Here are a few interactive activities parents, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/nannies\">nannies<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/babysitters\">babysitters<\/a> can do with babies.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-music-and-play-classes\">5. Music and play classes<\/h3><p>Music and play classes for babies come with a <a href=\"https:\/\/greatergood.berkeley.edu\/article\/item\/can_trendy_baby_classes_really_boost_a_childs_development\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">host of benefits<\/a>, including an increase in parent-child attachment, better musical awareness for children and &ldquo;better-developed gestures and social skills,&rdquo; according to the University of California, Berkeley.<\/p><p>Further, in a first of its kind <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newswise.com\/articles\/babies-brains-benefit-from-music-lessons\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">study<\/a>, research from McMaster University found that when 1-year-olds go to music classes with their parent or caregiver, they &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/when-do-babies-smile-your-newborns-social-m\/\">smile<\/a> more, communicate better and show more sophisticated brain responses to music.&rdquo;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-baby-and-me-yoga\">6. Baby and me yoga<\/h3><p>Don&rsquo;t expect to get a massive workout in, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/baby-and-me-yoga-benefits\/\">baby and me yoga<\/a> classes provide a number of advantages for both adults and children. In addition to providing socialization for moms at a time when loneliness can be high, baby and me yoga classes can boost both physical and emotional development in babies, as well as help them sleep better, aid in language development and more.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-7-brain-building-games\">7. Brain-building games<\/h3><p>According to the Harvard University <a href=\"https:\/\/developingchild.harvard.edu\/resources\/brainbuildingthroughplay\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Center on the Developing Child<\/a>, when parents and caregivers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/101-baby-activities-for-your-little-one\/\">play games with baby,<\/a> it helps develop &ldquo;sturdy brain architecture, the foundations of lifelong health and the building blocks of resilience.&rdquo;&nbsp;<\/p><p>Here are two games to play with baby, recommended via the Harvard University research:<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-where-is-it-game\">The &ldquo;Where Is It?&rdquo; game<\/h4><p>To play &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/harvardcenter.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/HCDC_EF-Play_handout_9_months_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Where is it?<\/a>&rdquo;, simply show baby something that makes noise, such as a set of jingly keys, and then hide the object under a blanket or behind your back, making the noise still. Say &ldquo;where is it?&rdquo; to encourage baby to look for the item. Once they find it, make sure to praise them and say, &ldquo;You found it!&rdquo;<\/p><h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-boom-game\">The &ldquo;Boom!&rdquo; game<\/h4><p>To play &ldquo;<a href=\"https:\/\/harvardcenter.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/HCDC_EF-Play_handout_9_months_FINAL.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Boom!<\/a>&rdquo;, drop a small, hard toy into a container, saying &ldquo;boom!&rdquo; when it falls and makes a noise; then, prompt the baby to do the same.&nbsp;<\/p><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-interactive-activities-for-toddlers\" data-toc-id=\"25c8bdf0\">Interactive activities for toddlers<\/h2><p>While you&rsquo;re still a ways off from breaking out Monopoly, you can get a little more sophisticated with their interactive activities when kids hit the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/101-fun-things-to-do-with-toddlers\/\">toddler stage<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-8-simon-says\">8. Simon Says<\/h3><p>This classic game has staying power for a reason. Not only is Simon Says a no-cost, simple game to play anywhere, anytime, it requires that children use their serious listening skills (kids need to think about what <em>not<\/em> to do). Also, it helps get the wiggles out! Full Simon Says directions can be found on the <a href=\"https:\/\/thegeniusofplay.org\/genius\/play-ideas-tips\/play-ideas\/simon-says.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Genius of Play<\/a>.<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-9-pretend-play\">9. Pretend play<\/h3><p>Kids love to pretend (or more specifically, imitate), full stop. And luckily, it&rsquo;s great for <a href=\"https:\/\/helpmegrowmn.org\/HMG\/HelpfulRes\/EncourageHealthDev\/18Months\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">healthy brain development<\/a>. Whether you pretend to &ldquo;take a call&rdquo; on a fake phone and pass it to your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/toddler-development-an-overview-of-milestone\/\">toddler<\/a> or rock a doll to sleep and ask them to do the same, the benefits they&rsquo;re getting are the same. Additionally, pretend play for toddlers <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cceionline.com\/how-to-encourage-pretend-play-for-toddlers\/#:~:text=Finally%2C%20pretend%20play%20for%20toddlers%20encourages%20creativity,use%20for%20the%20rest%20of%20their%20lives.\">encourages language development<\/a>, as well as creativity and imagination.&nbsp;<\/p><h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-10-do-a-puzzle-together\">10. Do a puzzle together<\/h3><p>The Center on the Developing Child recommends caregivers and parents do a <a href=\"https:\/\/harvardcenter.wpenginepowered.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/12\/6-Games-to-Play-with-Toddlers_2-3_years.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">puzzle<\/a> with their toddler. And when you ask them about the colors and shapes of the pieces as you go, you&rsquo;re helping them exercise planning and reflection skills.&nbsp;<\/p><p>The bottom line: When parents, grandparents, nannies, sitters, etc. take part in interactive activities with a newborn, baby or toddler, they&rsquo;re helping strengthen the bond they have with them, as well as aiding with their overall development. Win-win.&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Interactive play packs serious benefits for newborns, babies and toddlers. Here are a few to have in your arsenal.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1273,"featured_media":210072,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"enable_toc":true,"care_reviewed_by":0,"care_post_updated_flag":false,"care_updated_date":"2026-04-30T14:03:10.174Z","last_update":"2026-04-30","view_count":1186,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[1088],"member-type":[4],"vertical":[6,17,13],"platform":[],"class_list":["post-210069","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-toddlers","member-type-all","vertical-children","vertical-child-care-advice","vertical-kids-health-safety"],"acf":[],"created":"2025-01-06","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210069","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1273"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=210069"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210069\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":227557,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/210069\/revisions\/227557"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/210072"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=210069"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=210069"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=210069"},{"taxonomy":"member-type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/member-type?post=210069"},{"taxonomy":"vertical","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/vertical?post=210069"},{"taxonomy":"platform","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/platform?post=210069"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}