Programs by Age Group
Infant and toddler activities for dads are less about entertainment and more about connection. In the first three years, your baby’s brain grows fast, and everyday back-and-forth with you — talking, singing, playing peekaboo — is one of the most powerful things you can offer. Here is what works at each stage, plus programs and outings worth trying.
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Send a MessagePick one daily routine that is yours: bath time, the first morning feeding, the bedtime story. Repeating it gives your baby a predictable rhythm with you and gives you confidence. Skin-to-skin contact in the early weeks is a great way to settle a fussy newborn.
Our newborn care essentials and bonding and early development activities pages go deeper. For safe sleep, follow the Safe to Sleep campaign: baby on their back, on a firm flat surface, with no blankets, pillows or bumpers.
Face-to-face talking, tummy time on your chest or the floor, high-contrast books, gentle songs, narrating your day.
Peekaboo, rolling a ball, banging pots with a wooden spoon, board books, crawling obstacle courses with cushions.
Stacking and knocking down, push toys, water and sand play with close supervision, simple sorting, outdoor walks to point at everything.
Pretend play, play-dough, simple puzzles, dancing, helping with chores, short nature hikes.
More ideas live in our DIY learning activities for toddlers and toddler activity toolkit.
Libraries often host free baby and toddler story times. Rec centers and swim schools may offer parent-and-child water classes, and many communities have music or movement classes for toddlers. Look for sessions that are 30–45 minutes, scheduled outside nap time.
Outings work best close to home with a clear exit plan: a park, a farmers market, a short walk to see trucks or ducks. Pair up with another dad for a local play date to share the load.
Every child develops at their own pace. The CDC’s free Milestone Tracker app and “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” materials at cdc.gov/actearly show what most kids do by certain ages. If you have concerns about your child’s development, talk with your pediatrician — early support makes a difference.
Screens: the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen media other than video chatting for children under about 18 months, and limiting it for toddlers. HealthyChildren.org has current guidance.
Those early years can be exhausting and isolating. The 24/7 Phenomenal Fatherhood Room is open for the 3 a.m. feedings and the long afternoons. If you are feeling down or anxious after a baby arrives, Postpartum Support International’s HelpLine, 1-800-944-4773, has resources for dads too.
FAQ
Hold your baby skin to skin, take over bath time, talk and sing during daily care, do face-to-face tummy time and read simple books aloud. Your voice and touch are what your baby needs most.
Library story times, parent-and-child swim classes, music and movement classes and toddler open gyms are popular. Look for short sessions that fit around naps.
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises avoiding screens other than video chatting for children under about 18 months and limiting high-quality media for toddlers, ideally watched together. Check HealthyChildren.org for current guidance.
Very normal. Babies do not need complicated games. Talk to them, copy their sounds, make faces, sing anything and let them watch you do everyday tasks. Your attention is the activity, and you will get more comfortable with practice.
Keep going
Bonding and Early Development ActivitiesBonding activities with a newborn for dads: skin-to-skin, talking, tummy time, baby massage and play that builds early development. Simple ideas by month.
Toddler Activity Toolkit for DadsToddler activities for dads, sorted by what your 1- to 3-year-old needs: movement, messy art and early talking. Easy setups for busy days. Start playing.
Infant and Toddler Milestones: Birth to Age 3Infant and toddler milestones from birth to age 3: what babies usually do at each stage, how dads can help through play, and when to talk to the pediatrician.
Newborn Care Essentials Every Dad Should KnowNewborn care for dads made simple: diapering, feeding support, safe sleep, bathing, soothing and the warning signs to call the doctor. Learn the basics here.Ask a question, meet other dads in the 24/7 room, or join the community for resources and support at every stage.
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