As he begins his third month of life, your baby is really beginning to wake up. No longer simply an eating/sleeping/pooping machine, your little one has longer stretches of alertness between feedings and naps — giving you plenty of time to play, sing, and talk to him during these newly instituted play sessions. Hey — it's a great time for the two of you to get to know each other.
Don't think you can keep up the patter (or belt out the pop tunes) for more than a few minutes? Luckily, young babies are little sponges — and plenty stimulated by the brand-new world they've landed in. So entertaining your little one can be as simple as putting him in his baby carrier (or sling) and narrating as you tour the living room or walk around the block. While you're pointing out the sights, find ways to have fun with the five senses ("Look at those pretty red flowers! Let's smell them!"). Or try a few rounds of peekaboo or one of the other classic baby games. (If you need a refresher course — and who doesn't! — you'll find one here.)
Need some more easy ideas? Give him a mini-workout by putting him on his stomach; boost tummy time by getting down on the floor with him. Remember, too, that babies love mirrors (they're fun!). So sit in front of a mirror with him and stick out your tongue, crinkle your nose, and make other funny faces — you'll be delighted when your baby mimics you (get used to it!). Or just let your baby relax on his play mat or in his crib with a mobile hanging above him — soon he may learn that if he kicks at the dangling doodads, he can make them move. But there's no need to stock your home with tons of toys. At this point, he enjoys the sound of your voice and the sight of your face more than anything else.
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