1 month old
Wow, What a Whirlwind!
Play ideas, a book, a song and a little encouragement for your 1 month old, from Maddie.
By Maddie, early childhood educator and Mum
4 min read · Updated
In this guide
Hey there, new parent!
If you’re reading this, you’ve officially made it through the first month of parenthood; and what a wild, beautiful, sleep-deprived blur it’s been.
You’ve probably found yourself checking their breathing more times than you can count, just watching them, capturing every different movement or look, soaking in all those new born cuddles and wondering how they got here!! You might still be processing the birth, may at times feel in bubble bliss, and other times feel overwhelmed of this responsibility. You may be enjoying how your body is moving so easily now sometimes wonder where your brain has gone. Its all still there, its all just a bit foggy, and your doing wonderfully, even if it might not feel like it sometimes.
I remember while we were still in hospital with my first born, she had done her first poo, I asked the nurse to send someone in to help me change her nappy as I "hadn't done it before." A few moments later, I snapped back and thought "this has literally been my job description for the last 10 years, I know how to change a nappy!"
This newsletter is your gentle reminder that you are doing enough, and your doing it amazingly!
As your baby grows you don’t need to fill every minute with “activities”. The simple everyday moments, cuddles, chats, the quiet time together IS the learning (for them and you), and just being together is enough. But if you would like a few ideas to connect and play, we’ve kept them short, meaningful, and realistic.
Each month you’ll find:
2 easy activities
a simple book idea
a nursery rhyme or action song
a fun fact about your child's development and the wonder of learning
a little tip for supporting your connection and emotional growth
Our goal is to help you feel encouraged, not overwhelmed.
Each of our activities have been carefully chosen to support your baby’s most fundamental needs for growth and learning. Babies don’t need a lot of toys or stimulation, just repetition, connection, and you.
Activity 1: Tummy Time on Chest
How: Lay baby on your chest for short bursts, they’ll lift their little head to look at you.
Build their trust and confidence by calling their name and praising their efforts.
You can also lie down next to them on the floor, or put a mirror for them to look into.
If there are older siblings, this is a great way to get them involved. I often ask them to help set up the tummy time space, laying down a mat, grabbing a mirror, or choosing a black and white book.
Then I invite them to show the baby how to do tummy time, getting down beside them and being part of it. It gives the older child a sense of responsibility and connection, while also keeping the baby engaged and supported.
Why: Builds neck and core strength and gives you both some precious bonding time.
(Bonus: you also get to lie down as well!)
Activity 2: Eye Tracking Game
How: Slowly move a black-and-white card, your face, or your wiggly fingers side to side. Watch your baby follow with their eyes.
Why: This helps focus and visual tracking, an early foundation for attention and coordination.
Nursery Rhyme: Pat-a-Cake
(Perfect for nappy change time or tummy time cuddles)
Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker’s man,
Bake me a cake as fast as you can.
Pat it, and prick it, and mark it with B,
And put it in the oven for baby and me!
I always love using my child's name "and put it in the oven for Remi and Me" and then adding
other children's names as they were born ".... Nia, Remi and Me"
Try this: Gently pat their tummy or bottom to the rhythm, older siblings can join in too! It helps them learn how to play gently with their new baby.
Book of the Month: High-Contrast Black & White Baby Book
In the early months, babies see best in black and white.
Try borrowing a high-contrast book from your local library, or if you can’t find one, any book works beautifully. Turn the pages slowly, look at pictures together, and describe what you see.
Your voice is what your baby loves most.
Did You Know?
Even one minute of tummy time builds the same muscles babies use later for crawling, climbing, and even writing.
From day one, your baby learns with their whole body, pretty amazing, right?
Remember
You’re not just keeping a baby alive (though that’s a huge accomplishment in itself). You’re building the foundation for trust, love, and learning, one cuddle, one song, one sleepy feed at a time.
You’re doing beautifully.
Social & Emotional Skill Building
Talk to your baby as you move through your day.
“Nappy time! Let’s get you nice and dry.”
“I’m picking you up now, sweetheart.”
"I hear you, I'm just going to the toilet, I'll be right back"
Your calm voice and gentle tone tell your baby: you are safe, loved, and understood.
That’s the foundation of connection, and it starts now.