15 Ways To Instantly Make A Baby Happy

1. Cuddles & Snuggles

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Honestly, there's nothing that babies love more than to snuggle and cuddle with their loved ones.  They've spent about forty weeks in the womb at the start of their lives where they were warm, fed, and completely snuggled in a cozy little nest.  So when they are born into the world, it's probably a bit of a shock to their system when they're no longer curled up inside their safe and snug bundle.  And so cuddles are the perfect way to make them feel content and safe again.

2. Sing to them

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Most babies have been able to hear since long before they were born into the world, so it's absolutely no wonder that familiar or even unfamiliar voices are a comfort to them.  Singing a soothing lullaby to them is a great way to get them to settle down and feel happy and content.  And sometimes it can even stimulate them as they get excited to hear you sing.

3. Or play some soothing music

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Now we know all too well that, sometimes, singing isn't everyone's strong point.  And to be honest, you don't really have to worry about whether you're hitting the correct notes and sounding like the world-famous and renowned opera singer, Renee Fleming.  Babies don't care, they just love to hear your voice!  But if you are uncomfortable singing, and fair enough, you could play some soothing music to them!

4. Or use an instrument!

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If you're particularly talented or starting out with an instrument, babies love to hear people play these too.  Soothing music created by you is sure to make the baby very happy.  And it doesn't even matter what your instrument of choice is!  It could be anything from the piano, to the flute, to the mandolin, and even the drums!  As long as it's played gently and in a soothing way, the baby is sure to love it!

5. Skin-to-skin

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Babies love skin-to-skin contact from the moment they are born in some cases.  And the benefits for both parent or caregiver and baby are amazing!  From the surge of happy hormones to the warmth of the skin touching skin, it really is a great way to make the baby instantly happy.  It has also been found to relax the baby and caregiver, as well as regulate the baby's heart rate and breathing, helping them to adapt to life in the world.

6. Interactive games

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Babies love playing as they grow, and they absolutely love participating in interactive games with their caregivers and loved ones.  Even when they're tiny newborns, they begin to learn from interactive games such as peek-a-boo, where they develop their understanding of object permanence, as well as share a few belly laughs with their loved ones!

7. Offer a soft blanket or toy

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Soft blankets or toys can really soothe the baby and develop their sense of touch.  And they are also magical in the fact that they have the potential to really make the baby happy and feel settled.  They can really act as comforters and can stay with them as they grow.  Lots of young children still have their comfort blankets and toys well into their childhood!

8. Sway and rock

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Lots of babies also love to be gently rocked or swayed, especially when they're settling down to nap or sleep for the night (or not sleep!)  And did you know that there's real science to back up the benefits of rocking or swaying?!  It's true, research has recently found that if you gently rock or sway your baby to sleep, they may fall asleep faster, have a better quality of sleep, and even have improved memory formation too!  Wow!  THAT is what we wanted to hear!

9. Baby massage

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Baby massage is a wonderful way that babies and caregivers to bond, and it might also result in a happy baby too!  Baby massage aims to get caregivers feeling more confident with holding and handling their child, get better at recognizing their needs, and it may even have some benefits including increasing alertness and attentiveness in your baby, as well as improving digestive movements too.

10. Baby yoga

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There are many benefits of baby yoga, including promoting sleep, helping balance, coordination, and motor skills, aiding respiration and digestion.  It also could help to strengthen the baby's body and help them to develop reflexes. It's also great for their learning and social development too as they interact with their caregivers and even other babies if they're at a community session.

11. Offer a teething toy or pacifier

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Babies can become a little unsettled when they start to develop their teeth and this is because it can be quite uncomfortable for them as their teeth grow.  So offering a pacifier or a teething toy can really help to soothe their gums and settle them down if they're struggling with their teething.  You could even get creative and freeze fruit puree into baby-safe shapes because the cold can really help to soothe their painful gums.

12. Offer a warm and comforting bath

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To make a baby instantly happy, you could also try putting them in a lovely and warm bath.  The feel of the warmth on their skin, the sound of your soothing voice as you reassure them and even the sound of the water splashing and dripping can really help to soothe a baby and they might be really happy in the water.  Just be sure to always supervise your baby in the water and don't let the water get too cold!

13. Put up an engaging mobile

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When babies are born, they can usually see across a room, albeit a little blurry at first.  But they are really interested in things that are much closer to them, like their caregiver's faces, their own hands, or even objects and toys that you show to them.  So because this is the case, they might enjoy looking at a colorful mobile that hangs above them (out of reach!).  It has been found that they are engaged with high contrast rather than multi colored objects so a black-and-white mobile might be the perfect thing to engage them!

14. Provide a clean and cozy environment

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Babies really don't need much in order to feel content and happy.  As long as they're fed, clean, and can enjoy cuddles with their loved ones, they're golden!  But they also need a warm, cozy, and clean environment to live in too.  Having this can make them feel content and with it being clean, you're also making sure their health is looked after too.

15. Play soothing white noise sounds

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When babies are in the womb, they share their living space with the placenta that feeds and nourishes them whilst they're in there.  And, interestingly, the placenta does actually make a sound that they are thought to be able to hear.  It sounds like white noise (you know that sound you get on the TV or radio when the signal is bad?)  So studies have found that playing babies white noise can really soothe and relax them too as it's a familiar sound!

16. Baby talk!

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Do you ever talk to a baby and your voice pitch goes higher and you start speaking gobbledygook?  Well, baby talk can really make your baby feel happy and also, believe it or not, develop language skills!  This is because by speaking to them in this way, you are not only providing them with comedy value, but you're also teaching them about spoken conversation!  Amazing, right?!

17. Carry them in a sling or baby carrier

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We all know babies love to be close.  It's just in their nature at first because of where they've come from and what they were used to before they came to Earthside.  So it's no wonder that sometimes, not always, but sometimes they don't enjoy being in their pushchair.  So an alternative to this would be to carry them in a safe sling or baby carrier so you can maintain that closeness that they crave!

18. Read a book or tell a story

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Babies love to listen to the voices of their caregivers, whether it's through them singing a lullaby or just plain old talking.  So a really effective way to make them feel happy and content is to tell them a story.  And you can be as creative as you like with the voices!  The more animated, the better!  You don't always need a book to do this either, but if you do, the baby might even enjoy looking at the illustrations or interacting with the pages too, developing their motor skills.

19. Or just talk to them about your day

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You don't really even need to get that creative at first, though.  Babies are happy with just listening to your voice, so be sure to speak to them about your day!  You don't even need to do baby talk all the time, just speak as you would to a friend about what you're doing.  So, like, if you're doing some housework, they'd even enjoy a commentary on that, however dull you might think it is!  It's all part of their social and language development.

20. Play dates can be fun!

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To develop the baby's social skills, and make them feel content and happy, they might enjoy interacting with other babies and young children.  You could either organize play dates with friends or go to a local baby group.  This way, you can meet other parents and caregivers and the baby can meet other babies too!  It's a great way to get them familiar with other people outside of their household.

21. Sensory time!

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When a child is new to the world, we almost forget that everything we usually take for granted is brand new and probably pretty astonishing to them.  So things like feeling a bumpy surface, or seeing a shiny mirror might absolutely blow their minds.  Sensory play can really help with a baby's sensory development, and also help them to learn about the world!  And you don't even need anything fancy to do this either!

22. Face-to-face interaction

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Babies are mostly interested in close-up objects rather than far-away objects because of their developing vision.  So when you are interacting, playing, and speaking with them, they might be happy to be able to see your face.  It's heartwarming when their eyes light up when you come into their line of vision and they'll always be happy to see their loved ones at this stage.

23. Gentle strolls

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Babies respond to gentle motion and are really soothed by it.  So if you are all swayed out, it might be an idea to put the in their pushchair or sling and go for a gentle stroll.  If anything, the fresh air will benefit you and hopefully, the baby will be soothed by the motion and might even fall sound asleep!  If you drive, putting them in their car seat and driving might also have the same effect.

24. Bubbles!

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Bubbles can be so beautiful visually, with their rainbow colors and shiny surface, and they're slow and relaxing to watch, wondering if they'll float forever or pop in an instant.  So they can be the perfect sensory activity to enjoy with babies.  They might be engaged and stimulated by them or even soothed by their slow floatiness.  And it's a great excuse to play with bubbles too!

25. Blow on a dandelion

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Dandelion clocks have a really similar effect to bubbles, and if you can find one that is still full of fluffy seeds, even better!  Blowing the dandelion will make those fluffy seeds float off into the wind and this might really help to soothe or interest babies, as they watch them drift on the breeze.  And it'll help them to also become aware of the natural world around them too.

26. Baby sign language

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Now, we all know babies communicate by crying, it's the only way they know how!  They don't have the words yet to ask for something, you just have to try and guess what type of cry corresponds to which request!  And you're doing an amazing job!  Did you know that some parents begin to teach baby sign language to their babies from a very young age to give them ways of requesting what they need?  Interesting!

27. Feeding

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At first, babies just need love, and warmth, to be clean, and to be fed in any way you choose, or are able to.  And if they have health issues, of course, these need to be managed too with support from medical professionals.  The truth is though, you don't need any fancy baby products or expensive sensory toys for your baby to feel happy, as long as they've got the things they need to thrive and feel loved and safe, then that's what truly makes them happy.

28. Safety first!

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As with any activities involving babies, it is important to remember that it is essential to prioritize their safety and always monitor them during playtime and bathtime.  Make sure you have considered all of the safety aspects of the activities you are choosing to take part in with your baby and remember that they need to be monitored at all times during activities, feeding, and near water.

29. Remember how unique they are

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It is important to remember that babies all have unique personalities and needs.  So any advice you are given as a caregiver about making your baby happy might not always apply to you.  Remember, you are learning too and getting to know the baby's cues, needs, and even interests.  So what one baby responds to might not be the same for other babies!  Pay attention to their cues and preferences so you can create a happy and nurturing environment for them!

30. Happy caregiver = Happy baby!

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When you're a caregiver to a highly demanding little human, it is so easy to forget about your own care and well-being.  You have a big job to do but it doesn't mean that you have to forget about and neglect your own needs!  Remember, a happy caregiver = a happy baby and if you can't look after your own happiness and wellbeing, how do you expect to take care of someone else's effectively?

31. Stick out your tongue!

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Babies respond very positively to your facial movements, both with their happiness and their learning, so it always helps if you're making bigger, more interesting faces! And your tongue is one of the best things you can use to pull some funny and interesting faces for your baby to enjoy, especially if you stick out your tongue, waggle it, move it from side to side... anything that keeps them entertained!

32. Let them look in a mirror

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Your baby doesn't always have to look at your face - they can get enjoyment from working out their own face, too! Make time to put them in front of a mirror or hold a mirror in front of them for them to look at. They might think they're looking at another similar looking baby before they realize the reflection is moving in time with their own movements.

33. Hold up two different pictures

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It can be as simple as a homemade drawing of a tree, and then a drawing of the same tree with a bench next to it. Let your child look between the two and recognize the things that are exactly the same (like the tree) and the things that are different in the second picture. This will not only help their learning, but help them to enjoy different pictures and keep them entertained!

34. Leave pauses for them in conversation

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It's definitely encouraged to keep talking to your baby and chit-chat away all day, but you should also leave gaps in the conversation like you would in an adult conversation for the other person to speak. Whether your baby decides to fill the silence or not, it'll help them to soon learn the natural stops in conversations and pauses which let them speak and they'll learn from the pattern!

35. Make gaga noises!

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As well as talking, you should definitely be making as many goo goo gaga noises as you can, too! It might sound like a cliché, but they're always going to enjoy those kind of noises. They really do pay attention to the silly noises and baby talk you make and they're going to miss it when it's gone! So let them enjoy some silly noises and they'll be a lot happier.

36. Tell them what you're doing before you do it

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In the same mind of keeping a conversation going and leaving pauses for them to fill, you can also give a running commentary of the everyday things you're doing around them, to make them more aware and interested in what's going on. This could be 'I'm going to get up now and turn the light on - look!' and follow through with what you've said. They'll start to connect words with actions.

37. Tickle their toes

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Babies love to be tickled, especially on their bellies, but don't be neglecting those adorable baby toes! Most adults would say they hate to be tickled on their feet - or anywhere else - but even adults can't deny that it would get a begrudging laugh, at least. For a baby, being tickled on their feet can make them laugh and feel a lot happier. You can also pair it with games like 'This little piggy'.

38. Make physical jokes

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You can crack jokes during your chit-chat and baby noises, but it can also help your baby's development - and enjoyment - if you make physical jokes they can see. This could be making jokes about funny photos of family members you show them on the screen of your phone. You could point to a picture of the family dog and say it's the baby's name, then tell them you're joking - be sure to laugh afterwards so they connect it with humor!

39. Breast feed for as long as you can

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Breast feeding is very important for baby bonding, so you should try to do it - and for as long as you can. There have been studies to suggest that breastfed infants have a better chance with intelligence, but not only that, breastfeeding time is a key opportunity to make funny noises, laugh and talk to your baby so that they can feel more content while feeding.

40. Diaper change is the best time to bond

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In a similar way, diaper changing can also be a good time to take the opportunity to talk, laugh and sing, just like when breastfeeding. During this moment when your baby is in one place and you have a sole focus task to do, you can take the time whilst changing the diaper to speak about what you're doing, make funny noises and make funny faces while they watch you!

41. Turn off the TV while playing with them

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The TV is always handy - or even YouTube through a decide - to keep your baby entertained, and it can also be great background noise while you're playing with them. But while you might think it's a good thing for them to hear all kinds of different noises to keep them happy, it's actually better for them if you have one on one without any other distractions while you're playing with them!

42. Sometimes it's good to let them lead

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There are lots of games you can play with your baby to keep them happy while you lead, and also leading with conversation and different facial expressions. Sometimes, though, it can be good to stay quiet and not move while sitting with your baby and see where they lead you - where they want to crawl, what they want to pick up... whatever makes them happy!

43. Use your whole body as a playground!

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You can spend a lot of money on toys, or have to find time to take them to the playground, but one of the best things you can do in your own home is just let them use your entire body as a playground! Lie down with them and let them crawl all over you, use your arms and legs to hang onto, anything else that makes them play, laugh and smile!

44. Make very big physical movements

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They're going to pay attention to all the movements and expressions you're doing, and this also counts for movements of your limbs! So you'll want to make as big and exaggerated movements as possible to keep them entertained and let them watch the way your body moves. Even better if you can put on some music and let them watch you dance!

45. Play games where they have to follow

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It's a lot of fun for your baby to play games sat on the floor in their usual play spot, but what can also make it more exciting for them is if you play lead and follow games, like 'follow the leader', where you could crawl out of the room or around the couch and make them come and find you. You can also take their toy into the other room and prompt them to come get it.

46. Point everything out on walks

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Going out on walks is a key learning technique for those growing children, as they can then be more exposed to new things. One of the best things you can do to make it more fun for them, and to make them happier on walks and look forward to them, is to constantly be pointing things out, saying the name of things like 'tree' and 'car' and making happy faces!

47. Move their usual seat to a new position

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You're going to have that perfect spot for your baby's high chair at the dinner table, and once it's set up, it's unlikely you've ever thought about moving it because you have a good routine going. But actually, moving their chair around a bit - like to the opposite side of the table - can make it more fun for their learning and development, because they then have to consider things being laid on the table from a different angle.

48. Do things without warning

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We don't mean go full on jumpscare with your baby, of course, but you can do things to make them laugh without warning so they also get that fun surprise factor for a giggle. You could be sat together and then suddenly blow gently on their face or tickle their feet without warning. Gentle gestures that you don't say anything to lead up to can surprise and delight them!

49. Hide things under containers

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This can be a fun one if you want new fun games to try that will help their learning, too. You can get three normal containers from the kitchen - or anything you can use to hide things under - and then place their favorite toy under one of them. Shuffle them about a bit and then make your baby find their toy and point out which one they think it's under!

50. Try different textures

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Even as adults we know how certain fabrics and textures can have us feeling happier than others - it's all about soft and cozy and those textures that make us feel safe! For babies you should definitely be trying out new and exciting textures they might not have felt or seen before so that they can be amazed by the new sensation! This can make them happy the moment they touch it!