Changing Mat Song and Stretch- Baby Play Time Activity

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It’s great to find really easy activities that don’t cost anything to do with your newborn babies. This simple changing or play mat activity is ideal for newborns upwards and you can have fun knowing that as you sing and play you are helping their development too. I loved playing this with my eldest when he was born but it was even better for him to play with his baby sister and me as he was a toddler and learning the song at the same time. So here is it a quick and easy newborn activity for the changing mat we loved to do whilst singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes!

Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

Before I get to the activity time to refresh your memory with the words to the song. So here are the full basic lyrics to the song to sing with your babies and as they grow your toddlers too.

Head shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes
Head shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes

And eyes and ears
And mouth and nose

Head shoulders knees and toes
Knees and toes

With toddlers, you can get them to touch their body parts copying you as they sing but with a baby it’s time to do some little gentle stretching and tickling.

Easy Newborn Activity – Head Shoulders Knees and Toes

You won’t need any equipment for this just you and your baby. If you have an older child they can join in to.

Whilst they are on the floor mat, changing mat or even on your lap it’s time to stretch their arms out and as you sing.

1. Lift their arms towards their head.
2. Cross the arms as if touching their shoulders
3. Bring their arms down as if you were going to touch their knees
4. Then tickle their toes

When it comes to their eyes and ears and mouth and nose touch each body part and don’t forget to “beep” their little nose as you finish off that verse of the song.

Mum playing with smiling baby via Shutterstock

You can play like this until your baby reaches the rolling over stage, but what I discovered that as we started this easy changing mat activity when they were newborn they giggled and laughed throughout and anytime they started to roll and wiggle I would start the song and they would stop and play along with me as well.

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Cerys Parker

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Cerys is a marine biologist, environmental educator, high school teacher and mum. Realising that life doesn't have to be put on hold and you don't just have to survive whilst the kids are young she shares ideas to inspire you to LIVE with the kids, with activities to do together, recipes to cook and enjoy and family travel to make memories to last a lifetime.

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