What are the 12 things that parents can do with their baby in the first 12 months? 

New motherhood is incredibly joyful, but it can sometimes be tedious for both the mother and the child. If you are a new mom, you have probably been trapped inside, breastfeeding every few hours, changing endless diapers, and generally catching sleep whenever the opportunity arises.

Even though having a small baby might make you sometimes feel disconnected from the outside world, it is an experience of lifetime. Here are some awesome things to do with your new-born baby throughout the year.

1. Until the baby gets the better head control, try folding a bedsheet in half and then laying it on the ground and placing the baby in the middle. Both the parents can hold one end of the bed sheet and swart swinging after carefully checking that the baby is safe and secure.

2. Very young babies are attracted to contrasting colours. So, draw some simple shapes in black marker on white paper and hang them above the baby's crib or on the spot on the wall near the baby's line of sight.

3. Babies need exercise to strengthen their back, neck, and abdominal muscles. You can even place toys close to the baby to encourage reaching for them or set out an infant mirror so the baby can see himself or herself.

4. Try Copying the baby sounds. This encourages him or her to make more. And as a baby listens to you while you speak, he or she will begin to pick up other sounds also.

5. Hold the baby's hands and try to make him/her walk. Regularly massage baby’s legs with oil. This will make muscles and bones strong.

6. Try to speak some words like maa, dada, etc., by pointing toward them as this will help your baby recognize family members easily.

7. Around 6 to 8 months of age, your child will learn to clap. So, encourage him/her to clap by clapping near them.

8. Your baby's first steps could come as early as eight months or as late as halfway through their second year of life. Try to make your babies walk without the help of walkers.

9. At 10 months old, make your baby play with water by filling small pools and let them enjoy the way he/she wants.

10. Regularly read books to your baby, pointing to the pictures as you read and engaging her by changing your voice for different characters. Invite your little one to participate by encouraging her to laugh or act surprised by the story.

11. Engaging your baby with toys and sounds will help improve their mental development.

12. Around her first birthday, your baby will be ready for large wooden puzzles. Take Colourful shapes or pictures. "Show and tell them first how it works—you may have to guide their hands, "Clap and cheer when they are successful."