In the early weeks with a newborn, play looks very different to what we often imagine. Babies at this stage aren’t looking for stimulation or entertainment – they’re adjusting to the world, one small moment at a time.
Play in the newborn phase is mostly about connection, familiarity, and very gentle sensory experiences. Many babies are only awake for short windows, and those windows don’t need to be filled with anything planned or purposeful.
Here are a few simple ways babies often engage with the world in those early weeks.
Simple play ideas for early newborns
Looking at faces
Newborns are naturally drawn to faces, especially those they see often. Lying close, making eye contact, or simply letting your baby study your face can be more engaging than any toy.
Listening to familiar voices
Talking, humming, or quietly narrating what you’re doing helps babies recognise and feel comforted by familiar sounds. There’s no need to perform – your normal voice is enough.
Gentle movement
Being carried, rocked, or slowly repositioned allows babies to experience movement in a safe, contained way. These moments often feel soothing rather than playful, and that’s exactly right at this stage.
Light and contrast
Babies may enjoy watching light shift across a wall or noticing gentle contrast nearby. This can be as simple as daylight through a window or a soft shadow moving across the room.
Tummy time, very briefly
For some babies, very short periods on their tummy can be enough in the early weeks. This might only last a few seconds at first, and it still counts.
If your baby isn’t doing all of these yet – or seems uninterested in most of them – that’s completely normal. Some babies are very alert early on, while others spend most of their time sleeping and feeding. Early newborn play isn’t about doing more. It’s about noticing small responses, following your baby’s lead, and allowing plenty of quiet space in between.
Newborn Photography in East Grinstead
Newborn photo shoots are best when your baby is between 5 and 10 days old—this is when they’re at their sleepiest and curliest, perfect for capturing those beautifully serene images. To ensure you don’t miss out, I recommend booking while you’re still pregnant—we’ll set a provisional date for a week after your due date and adjust if needed once your baby arrives.
Your session takes place in my warm and cosy studio in Crawley Down, designed for your baby’s comfort. The shoot is relaxed, unrushed, and includes three digital images of your choice, all for £95. There’s no sales session—just a private online gallery where you can view and select your favourites at your own pace.
