15 Fun and Easy Things to Do With Infant: Keep Your Baby Happy and Growing

Looking for new ways to bond with your baby that go beyond tummy time and diaper duty? Whether you’re a first-time parent or just seeking fresh ideas, there are so many fun and easy things to do with an infant that support growth, connection, and joy.

The early months are all about discovery—for both of you. Here’s a list of low-stress, high-reward activities that are perfect for different stages of infancy.

Why Activities Matter in the First Year

During the first 12 months, your baby’s brain is developing at lightning speed. Simple, intentional interactions support:

• Sensory exploration
• Motor skill development
• Early social cues and language
• Parent-child bonding

That’s why having a go-to list of infant friendly activities is more than just fun—it’s foundational for growth.

15 Fun and Easy Things to Do With an Infant

1. Mirror Time

Babies love faces—including their own. Use a baby-safe mirror to promote self-awareness and visual engagement.

2. Sing and Sway

Pick a lullaby or nursery rhyme and gently sway. It’s calming for your baby and soothing for your nervous system too.

3. Water Play

Place a shallow bowl of water on a towel and let your baby splash with supervision. Great for sensory development.

4. Sensory Basket

Fill a basket with soft fabrics, rattles, and safe household items. Let your baby touch, grab, and explore.

5. Go for a Nature Walk

Strap your baby into a carrier and take a slow walk. Narrate what you see—it’s a relaxing way to introduce fun places for babies. Taking walks with your baby can be a great bonding time, and as they grow, these moments can lead to self-sufficiency. Check out these self-sufficient kids hacks to help foster independence from an early age.

6. Read Together

Choose bold, high-contrast board books or textured touch-and-feel stories. Early literacy starts here. Reading with your baby isn’t just fun—it also plays a crucial role in language development. Learn how to improve kids’ vocabulary and set the foundation for early communication skills.

7. Play Peekaboo

A classic for a reason! It teaches object permanence and gets plenty of giggles.

8. Visit a Baby-Friendly Museum or Library

Look for local places to take babies for fun—many libraries host baby storytimes with music and social interaction.

9. Have a Mini Dance Party

Turn on music and dance around the room. Even newborns love rhythm and motion.

10. Tummy Time with a Twist

Add a mirror, toy, or colorful fabric during tummy time to make it more engaging.

11. Do Baby Massage

Use gentle strokes after bath time to promote calm and improve circulation.

12. Try a Baby Gym or Playmat

These provide safe opportunities for kicking, reaching, and visual tracking.

13. Explore Textures

Let your baby feel different materials like silk, cotton, or felt—just be sure they’re safe and clean.

14. Join a Parent-Baby Class

Yoga, music, or swim classes are a great way to mix socialization and stimulation.

15. Go on a Stroller Adventure

A change of scenery—whether it’s a walk around the block or a new park—keeps things fresh.

These ideas work whether you’re figuring out things to do with a 1yr old, a 6 month old, or even a newborn who’s just starting to interact.

Planning Around Age and Milestones

Each baby is unique, but here’s a quick breakdown to help you tailor the fun:

• 0–3 months: Gentle music, skin-to-skin, high-contrast visuals
• 4–6 months: Tummy time play, mirror games, texture exploration
• 6–9 months: Sitting play, peekaboo, soft toy interaction
• 9–12 months: Pull-up games, cruising, interactive songs and clapping

Looking for fun things to do with an 8 month old? Try object exploration, or stacking soft blocks with your help.

Expert Parenting Tip

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect setup to engage your baby.
Simple, consistent interaction—like singing, talking, and making eye contact—is more powerful than any fancy toy or outing. It’s the connection that counts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some fun things to do with a newborn?

Talk, sing, offer skin-to-skin contact, and try tummy time with soft music or soothing sounds.

2. Where can I take my baby for fun outings?

Libraries, nature trails, baby-friendly cafes, and even stroller walks in new neighborhoods can be stimulating and safe.

3. What are the best activities for a 6-month-old?

Play with textures, read together, introduce mirrors and baby-safe musical instruments.

4. Are there things to do with a 1-year-old that encourage independence?

Yes—stacking toys, cruising furniture, or letting them self-feed with soft snacks all help build early independence.

5. How often should I plan activities with my infant?

Daily interaction is key, but activities don’t have to be elaborate. Short, engaging play sessions multiple times a day are ideal.