play mat

A play mat will give your baby room to stretch and kick, as well as somewhere safe to enjoy ‘tummy time’. Babies need to make up for the time they spend sleeping on their backs, and ‘tummy time’ helps with overall development. Find out more at www.fsids.org.uk. Place your baby on her tummy for short periods (never leave her unattended) and position her arms so she can start to lift her head and arms.

A mobile above the cot is great for keeping your baby entertained while she’s lying awake (just make sure it’s out of reach). Or try a projector, which plays lullabies and projects soothing light patterns onto the walls or ceiling

As your newborn learns to focus, black-and-white contrasts and bold colours are her favourite things to gaze at. Lots of books have textured, mirrored pages (older babies love looking at their own faces) to stimulate her senses. And it’s never too early to start reading to her.

Whether you go for a simple bouncing cradle or an all-singing, all-dancing model that rocks your baby with music and a light show, your newborn’s sure to enjoy the ride. Grizzly and colicky babies often find the rocking motion particularly comforting.

Until your newborn gets to grips with her own movements, colourful toys and rattles that you can easily wave in her sight line will help keep her entertained. As she gets older, she’ll enjoy learning to hold and play with them herself. Lightweight wrist and ankle rattles will encourage her to wave her arms and kick her legs.