NICU Guide to Baby Care
SECTION 2
2.7 PLAY: PRE-TERM INFANT
Babies who are born at less than 37 weeks gestational age are unable to tolerate the play activities that a full-term baby can. Remember these babies should still be enclosed tightly in the
mother’s uterus (womb) where they are positioned with arms and legs bent. When they move,
the walls of the uterus help to bring their arms and legs back close to their face and body. Also,
they are not exposed to lights and the only noise they may hear is mom’s voice. There are
interactions parents can have with their pre-term baby even before they hold them to assist in
improving their later development and to help them be more comfortable and sleep better. The
baby can show you if he or she likes a specific interaction by behavioral cues.
Pre-term babies (24-34 weeks gestation)
Things baby likes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A finger or cloth roll to hold
Cradling the top of baby’s head and feet (with legs bent) in the parent’s hands
Slow movements
Quiet, soothing voices
Rolled soft blankets placed around the body (as a nest)
Around 34 weeks, a pacifier to suck on, especially during gavage (tube) feedings
Pre-term babies (35-40 weeks gestation)
Things baby likes:
• Swaddling in a blanket with hands close to the face and legs bent.
• When holding the baby, position the baby’s face about 12-14 inches from your face. Talk
softly to the baby. The baby may open his or her eyes better if the lights are dim and the
noise level around the baby is low.
• After 37 weeks, the baby may follow your face or turn toward your voice.
• Many good parent-infant interactions occur during feeding (breast or bottle).
Remember: Watch your baby’s cues. If your baby is showing signs of stress,
just sit quietly with him or her.
2.8 PLAY: TERM-AGE INFANT
Newborn to 1 month
Things baby likes:
• The sound of your voice. The baby shifts his or her eyes or may turn his or her head toward
the sound.
• The sound of soothing music. Play music to the baby.
• Move your face to each side of the baby. Stay within 8–20 inches of the baby’s face. You can
adjust this distance depending on your baby’s reaction. The baby will follow you briefly.
He or she may also begin to look in an upward direction.
• Hold and cuddle the baby. Babies cannot be spoiled at this age!
• Rock the baby in your arms or use a rocking chair.
Baby Care | 17
NICU Guide to Baby Care
• Keep the baby warm.
• Many babies like to be wrapped tightly in a blanket (swaddled).
Good toys:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Music boxes
Comfort pillows
Soft clothes
Massage
Rocking chair or crib
Mobiles – especially bright or contrasting colors
Hang the mobile 8–20 inches above the baby
Remember: You are the best stimulation for your baby. Talk to your baby and
wait for him or her to focus on your face.
1 to 3 months
Things baby likes:
• Shiny, bright, mobile or toys above baby’s bed, but out of reach of baby.
• Watching bright colors (red and orange) or black and white. They turn their heads to follow
toys moved in front of them.
• Shake bells or rattles to encourage your baby to watch them.
• You talking in a lively voice. He starts to coo, gurgle and “talk” back to you.
• Being on his tummy on the floor. He lifts his head and rolls from his front to his back or
side.
• Smile. He smiles back at you.
• Dangle a toy in front of the baby when he is on his back or sitting in your lap. He gets
excited and may be able to reach for it.
• Putting toys in his mouth.
• Hold, cuddle and rock baby.
• Place the baby in his or her infant seat so the baby can see from a different view.
Good toys:
• Rattles – different sizes and shapes; made out of different materials
• Crib gym – a toy with several toys on a rod that is hung across the crib or stroller. Often has
a plastic ball with small bright wooden ball inside, handles to hold onto and a bulb to
squeak. Baby looks, starts to reach and touch, then pulls and plays with toys.
• Stuffed toys – baby may hug and hold this toy. Many make noises or play music
• Busy boxes
• Comfort pillows
• Infant instruments
• Massage
Baby Care | 18
NICU Guide to Baby Care
4 to 6 months
Things baby likes:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bright, noisy toys, squeaky rubber toys.
Playing with his or her feet.
Playing “peek–a–boo.”
Being on a blanket on the floor.
Babies can practice rolling from their back to their stomach.
Seeing himself or herself in a mirror. Smiles at himself or herself or pats the mirror.
Dangle a toy in front of the baby when the baby is on his or her back or sitting in your lap.
The baby reaches for the toy with both hands.
May start to roll on his or her belly and rock on hands and knees.
Holding a toy in each hand. Begins to bang them together or on other things.
Talking to your baby. Wait for a response, then mimic the response. This will encourage
language development and the bond between you!
Sing to your baby and play different types of music for him or her.
Good toys:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Bowls that fit into each other
Mirror (non–breakable) – baby likes to see himself or herself
Bathtub – baby likes to splash
Bath toys – sponges cut into different shapes, toy boats, funnels, plastic scoops or cups to
empty and fill
Toys that he or she can hold
Soft books
Patmat
Squeeze toys
Soft blocks
Exerciser
Balls (wooly or soft)
Soft dolls or animals
Choosing toys
1. Toys should be safe!
2. Toys should not have small loose parts or sharp edges.
3. Remember the baby’s age when you buy or make toys. Baby likes big, colorful toys that do
lots of things.
4. Make sure baby cannot choke on or swallow toys he or she places in the mouth.
5. Baby walkers are not safe and actually do not help babies walk sooner. One option would be
an “Exersaucer.”
Baby Care | 19