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The community advises building short play into the wake window after feeds - mainly tummy time, talking, and colourful visuals - and reassures that simple sensory engagement is plenty for newborns, who tire quickly.
Parents of newborns and very young babies wonder how to 'play' with a baby who mostly eats and sleeps. The community reassures that brief tummy time, talking, and showing colourful or high-contrast visuals during the short wake window is plenty, and that babies tire quickly so simple engagement is exactly right.
Here's what moms in our community shared based on their own experience.
After a feed, once the baby wakes, give tummy time and talk and play during it. If the baby didn't sleep after the feed, do tummy time about 30-45 minutes after feeding; after 10-15 minutes they tire and sleep.
At the first signs of sleepiness, stop eye contact and engaging. Change the diaper at the halfway point of the wake window as part of your routine.
For a 3-month-old: read and show colourful books; balloon-on-the-foot play; rattles; and a water play mat.
Babies this young tire quickly - keep sessions short and don't over-stimulate (avoid battery-operated toys); contact napping and tummy time on your chest count as engagement.
The information shared on this page comes from real experiences of mothers in our community. While we strive to provide helpful insights, this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your pediatrician, healthcare provider, or other qualified medical professional for any questions regarding your child's health or development.
Last reviewed: June 17, 2026
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