Dim the lights, put on some soft music … and give your baby a bath? Adults like quiet, soothing baths, so why wouldn't a baby like them, too? Your baby doesn't necessarily need a tubful of squeaky toys to enjoy bath time. Many babies equally enjoy a bath in peaceful surroundings, with little extra stimuli except for warm water, a few bubbles, and the soft hum of your voice.

Speaking of music, you might sing to baby — whatever comes to mind. The song itself doesn't matter; the baby won't mind if your song isn't record quality. If you like listening to soft, classical music while bathing, perhaps baby will, too.

Give Baby a Massage

Giving your baby regular massages will not only stimulate baby's muscle development, it can also generate lots of good bonding experiences for both of you. It also has a long history as a folk remedy for colic. You can even take it a step beyond massage by giving baby her regular, soothing bath, followed by an infant massage with baby cream. Here are some tips to help you give your baby the “spa treatment.”

First, start with baby lying on her back. Put some baby cream in your hands and rub your hands together to create warmth. Rub some cream on baby's face, then neck, and then stomach. Using more cream, repeat the warming process, and then start rubbing baby's shoulders, working your way down the arms. Massage each wrist and hand, working out to the tiny fingertips.

With additional cream, work on your baby's legs. Thighs are particularly good areas to massage a little bit more deeply on a baby, since they are the largest muscles the baby has at this stage.

If baby will let you, turn him over to lie on his stomach. Warm some baby cream in your hands, and then begin to massage from shoulder to buttocks. Massage the legs again, and then work on the feet, beginning with the balls of the feet and gently massaging each tiny toe.