Vimol Mok

  Welcoming a newborn into your life brings a multitude of joys and discoveries. In the early months, as your baby undergoes remarkable changes, explore tailored activities and toy recommendations for the first three months. Keep in mind, every baby is unique, and these suggestions serve as gentle guides. Let’s dive into delightful ways to maximize your baby’s awake time, providing insights into various stages of early development.

1st Month

Activities

In the first month, babies typically don’t engage much with toys as most of their day is spent sleeping, feeding, and interacting. However, they enjoy listening to soft music and participating in interactions like singing and talking. 

Face-to-face interaction, especially with caregivers, is crucial during this stage. While their vision is still developing, babies respond well to high-contrast patterns, so using black and white or bold, contrasting colors in soft toys or images is beneficial. 

During the initial month, babies need a lot of nursing, comfort, and skin-on-skin contact with parents. Cuddling and providing a sense of security through close holding and responsive care are often the best entertainment for a 1-month-old.

2nd Month

Activities

• As babies enter their second month, placing them on a playmat with hanging toys helps them learn to use their hands by touching and making sounds.

• Engaging them through talking and singing is enjoyable for babies, and playing soft nature sounds or calming music in the background can create a soothing environment.

• Offering soft rattles or toys with gentle sounds, designed for newborns with no small parts, is recommended.
• Allowing exploration of different textures with soft fabrics or textured toys such as crinkly or cloth books, holding colorful objects at a short distance for them to focus on shapes and colors, and incorporating a baby-safe mirror during tummy time are engaging activities

• Cuddling remains crucial for providing comfort and warmth
• Going for a walk in a stroller for fresh air 
• Spend time reading together, pointing out objects and making simple sounds to engage the baby

Recommended Toys

• Tummy time mats designed with attached toys and a mirror.
• Play gym with hanging simple and soft toys, including a safe-mirror toy and toys with movement and sounds.

• Gentle musical toys playing soft lullabies or calming tunes.

• High-contrast toys such as black-and-white or brightly colored images in books or cards.
• Different texture toys like crinkly toys, soft plush toys, and soft cloth books with high-contrast images, bright color, or simple patterns. Ensure they are free from small parts posing a choking hazard.

• Introduce them to baby books that help with language, visual and cognitive development. When choosing baby books, opt for sturdy board books with rounded corners and thick pages that can withstand enthusiastic handling and mouthing. Look for books with simple, high-contrast illustrations, rhyming text, and interactive elements that will capture your baby’s attention. Reading to them also provides bonding time and helps them recognize your voice as well.

3rd Month

Activities

• In the third month, daily tummy time remains essential for strengthening neck and upper body muscles.
• Offering soft, textured toys or rattles with contrasting colors aids in capturing their attention and developing hand coordination. 

• Creating a safe and padded floor space for floor play, placing colorful and soft toys within reach, and incorporating hanging toys on a playmat enhance familiarity with using their hands. 

• A baby swing or bouncer with a gentle rocking motion can provide a break for caregivers
• Experiment with loosely tying flying balloons to their hands or feet often brings joy.
• Going for a walk in a stroller is a refreshing outdoor activity.
• Spend time reading together, pointing out objects and making simple sounds to engage the baby

Recommended Toys

• Similar to the 2nd-month recommendations, including play gym, gentle musical toys, high-contrast toys, baby books, and different texture toys

• Offer soft teething toys if the baby is starting to teeth.
• Always prioritize your baby’s safety by choosing age-appropriate toys and activities.

Additionally, follow your baby’s cues, and if they seem tired or overstimulated, provide a quiet and calm environment for rest.

 During the first 3 months of life, a baby undergoes numerous changes and developments. Remember that each baby is unique and so are their developmental journeys. Here, I share the milestones I’ve witnessed with my own bundle of joy, knowing that yours may dance to a different beat. Dive into these key developmental milestones and discover delightful ways to make the most of your baby’s awake time. I hope this serves as a helpful guide, providing insights into various stages of early development. 

1st Month

Sleep

During their first month, babies have small stomachs, so they feed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours. Breastfeeding lasts shorter than formula feed as it digests faster but its duration gradually lengthens over time. 

Newborns at first month sleep a lot, and their sleep patterns are often irregular. They may sleep anywhere from 14 to 17 hours a day. The 1st month is not ideal yet to start the sleeping routine or sleep training. Their playtime will gradually increase over time as their wake time gets longer, meaning more time for playing and interacting.

Milestones

• Newborns typically have limited neck strength and rely on support for their heads. You might notice some improvement in head control as the month progresses.
• Babies often react to sudden movements or loud noises. They may also grasp your finger if you place it in their palm.
• Initially, newborns have blurry vision, but they can see objects at close distances. They may begin to show interest in faces and high-contrast patterns.
• Babies explore the world with their mouths, learning this since they were inside the tummy. This is how they learn to survive after birth without more food support through the umbilical cord. You might observe sucking motions, which can be a sign of hunger or a self-soothing behavior.

2nd Month 

Sleep

At around two months, babies typically sleep for about 12 to 18 hours a day, but this can vary. They may start recognizing day and night, such as going back to sleep after each feeding at night and taking naps during the day. Each nap is broken into short periods with wake periods in between, and each wake time lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. 

Milestones

• At around two months, many babies begin to smile in response to familiar faces and voices. This is a significant social milestone as they start recognizing and reacting to people.
• During tummy time or when supported in an upright position, babies may start to lift and hold their heads up for short periods and move side to side, demonstrating strengthen neck muscles.
• They begin to make gurgling sounds and explore their vocal abilities attempting to communicate.
• Exploring touch: learning to use their hands to touch objects such as hanging toys and fingers.
• Babies become more attuned to familiar voices and may turn their heads or respond to the sound of their caregiver’s voice.

• Along with smiling in response to familiar faces, babies may also start displaying social smiles, smiling simply for the joy of interacting.
• Improved eye movement allows babies to track and follow objects with their eyes. They may also show interest in moving objects or people around them. Babies become more alert and attentive to their surroundings. They may show interest in toys, lights, and patterns.

3rd Month

Sleep

At 3 months old, babies typically sleep around 14 to 16 hours a day. On average, babies may be awake for approximately 1 to 2 hours at a time during the day when they start recognizing day and night. It’s essential to pay attention to your baby’s cues and provide opportunities for short periods of play, interaction, and feeding during these wakeful periods.

Milestones

• Babies are likely gaining more head control and can hold their head steady when upright or during tummy time with their support using their arms.
• Increased coordination and purposeful movements, such as reaching and grabbing objects with their hands.

• Can visually track moving objects, show more interest in faces and objects, and recognize familiar faces.
• Communication and social development such as making babbling sounds, smiling responsively, and increasing vocalization by using a variety of sounds to communicate.

• Become more efficient in breastfeeding or bottle-feeding.
• Can establish a routine such as a sleeping pattern and recognize bathing time.
• Start to show more interest in social interaction such as peek-a-boo and gentle tickling.

Remember that each baby develops at their own pace, and there can be variations in reaching these milestones. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to consult with a pediatrician.

Our first trip together with my newborn baby was a 35-hour journey from Toronto to Phnom Penh, which included a 10-hour layover in Hong Kong. Despite being fully recovered and accustomed to the new-mom routine, traveling with a 2-month-old baby presented a unique set of challenges. I successfully navigated the trip by having a travel companion and thorough preparation both before and during the flight. Here are some tips:

1. Flight Booking

To ensure a hassle-free journey, it’s crucial to book your flight well in advance. Selecting a seat with a bassinet is essential. These seats are limited and highly sought after, as they provide a secure spot for your baby to rest during the flight. When booking your flight in advance, you may have the options to select the seat with bassinet for free if there is available. If you are not able to select during booking, be sure to contact the airline company or booking agency to request one. Even though it is not guarantee, but it is always worth to try. Having a bassinet available not only offers a safe space for your baby to sleep but also gives you the flexibility to manage other aspects of your journey, such as organizing your belongings or taking a quick break.

2. Plane Ride

Our flight from Toronto to Hong Kong was a non-stop 16-hour journey. Traveling alone with a baby for such a long duration can be challenging, so I highly recommend having a companion to take turns caring for the baby and allowing each other to rest.

Our flight from Toronto to Hong Kong was a non-stop 16-hour journey. Traveling alone with a baby for such a long duration can be incredibly challenging. I highly recommend having a companion to take turns caring for the baby and allowing each other to rest. This teamwork approach is invaluable. I was lucky to have a companion during this trip especially taking turn, short break, or if need to take bathroom break. Plan ahead by discussing responsibilities and schedules with your travel partner, so you can effectively share the workload and make the journey more manageable for both of you.

Traveling with a baby means carrying a lot of baby gear, which sometimes includes a stroller that you might need help with to install or collapse. I ended up overpacking; in addition to my carry-on, I also brought a diaper bag, portable bassinet, and nursing pillow. It was a good lesson to learn that it was challenging to move around with all these items.

3. Baby Gear

A baby carrier is an indispensable tool for long trips if you decide not to bring a stroller and depend on how big the baby. It enables you to carry your baby while keeping your hands free for other essentials like passports, tickets, and snacks. Though it’s possible to carry a baby all day without a carrier, fatigue may quickly set in, making a baby carrier a safer and more practical choice. A good carrier ensures your baby remains close, comforted by your presence, and allows you to navigate the airport and airplane with ease. Consider investing in a carrier that offers adequate back support and is easy to put on and take off, as you’ll be using it frequently during your journey.

4. Car-seat Requirement

The travel requirements can vary depending on the country you visit. Most countries may require a car seat for your baby. If your car seat doubles as a stroller, it’s worth bringing along, as it allows you to push the stroller around without using a baby carrier. Additionally, you’ll need the car seat if traveling within that particular country. Be sure to check the car seat requirements in advance and ensure your car seat meets the other country’s regulations.

If you are visiting someone who has a car seat available for you to use, be sure to communicate with family members or friends in advance about the age and weight of your baby to ensure the car seat is suitable. They will need to bring the car seat to the airport for pickup.

At that time, since we traveled to Cambodia for a short visit and the country doesn’t require a car seat, I chose to bring only the baby carrier for convenience. However, this decision varies on a case-by-case basis. You will need to decide what gear to bring based on your specific situation.

5. Bassinet

During extended flights, bassinets are typically offered in limited spots. If you choose to travel with your baby on your lap, securing a bassinet is highly beneficial for several reasons:

• Safety: A bassinet prevents the baby from accidentally falling off your arms while you rest.
• Comfort: It provides a welcome break from constantly holding the baby, especially during lengthy flights.
• Health: Laying the baby down in the bassinet is better for their back, promoting a more comfortable sleep.
• Convenience: It facilitates easier diaper changes, allowing you to tend to your baby’s needs without much hassle.

6. Flight Safety

The bassinet is not provided until the plane safely takes off and the seat belt sign is off. During takeoff and landing, the flight attendant advised me to hold the baby on my lap and attach his baby seat belt to mine. During high turbulence, they recommend removing the baby from the bassinet for safety.

The bassinet is not provided until the plane safely takes off and the seat belt sign is off. During takeoff and landing, the flight attendant advised me to attach their baby seat belt to mine and hold the baby to my chest. In case of high turbulence, they recommend removing the baby from the bassinet for safety and follow this procedure. In my personal experience, Cathay Pacific offers a baby seat belt that can be attached to mine. However, with some other airlines, I only needed to hold the baby to my chest during takeoff, landing, and turbulence

7. Air Pressure

To alleviate air pressure on the baby’s ears, I made sure to feed him during takeoff and landing. For breastfeeding, wearing a comfortable top and having a nursing cover ready is essential. If your baby is bottle-fed, ensure the bottle is ready.

A pacifier can also help if the baby isn’t hungry. This method helps soothe the baby and reduces any discomfort caused by changing air pressure. Due to the limited space, be cautious of people walking in the aisle, as they might accidentally bump into the baby’s head or body during the feeding time.

Be attentive to signs of discomfort and have extra feeding supplies on hand to address any unexpected needs. Keeping your baby’s ears protected from pressure changes can prevent fussiness and help them remain calm during the flight.

8. Soothing

To address potential fussiness, be prepared to soothe the baby. Bring their favorite toy and have the pacifier easily accessible. Every baby is different, so find what soothes your baby best. Gentle rocking, soft singing, or new toys can also be effective in calming a fussy baby during the flight. Experiment with different soothing techniques before your trip to determine what works best for your baby.

I usually try to tire my baby out before the flight by entertaining them and keeping them awake appropriately. This helps ensure they sleep and rest on the plane. Being well-prepared with comforting items and strategies can make a significant difference in managing your baby’s mood and ensuring a more pleasant journey for both of you.

9. Baby Sleep and Feed

Time can easily be lost while traveling across different time zones. I recommend using feeding apps as it can be helpful in maintaining a routine and keeping track of feeding times, especially for newborns who require frequent feeding.

Keeping the baby on a consistent schedule as much as possible will help them adjust to the new time zone and reduce crankiness. Plan your baby’s feeding and sleep schedule ahead of time, taking into consideration the time changes and flight duration. Stick to your routine as closely as possible, and be prepared to make adjustments based on your baby’s needs during the journey. Consistency can help create a sense of normalcy for your baby, making the transition to a new time zone smoother.

10. Mom Sleeps and Feeds

Be prepared for limited sleep on the plane as you’ll likely check on the baby frequently. The plane’s bassinet may obstruct your view, prompting regular checks.

Be prepared for limited sleep on the plane as you’ll likely check on the baby frequently. The plane’s bassinet may obstruct your view, prompting regular checks. Ensure that the baby is securely placed in the bassinet and that nothing is blocking their airway before you rest. If you’re worried, ask your companion to take turns keeping an eye on the baby while you rest. Accept that your primary focus will be on ensuring your baby is comfortable and safe, and take advantage of any opportunity to rest when your baby is sleeping.

Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, and eye mask to help you rest more comfortably on the plane. Staying hydrated and eating well can also help maintain your energy levels. Remember to prioritize self-care during the journey, as taking care of yourself ensures you can better care for your baby.

11. Layover

Our layover at the airport lasted for 10 hours. During this time, I made use of the portable bassinet I had brought along. This allowed the baby to rest comfortably. Various options for portable bassinets are available, and the one I selected is foldable and lightweight, making it easy to carry.

To create a peaceful sleep environment, consider using a portable sound machine to drown out airport noise and ensure uninterrupted sleep. Utilize airport facilities like family rooms or lounges for a more comfortable layover experience. Being well-prepared for layovers can make a significant difference in ensuring your baby remains well rested and content during the journey.

12. Bonus Tip

One of the advantages of flying with an infant is the priority treatment. Enjoy early boarding privileges with your baby, which allows you to settle in and get organized without the rush of other passengers. I personally prefer to be the last or almost-last to board; however, it is great to have option available.

Traveling with a newborn requires meticulous planning, but with the right preparations, it can be a rewarding experience. Remember to stay flexible and adaptable, as unexpected situations can arise during travel. Trust in your ability to handle challenges, and take comfort in knowing that each trip with your baby will become easier with experience.

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