Shadow Puppets
Use a flashlight to cast gentle shadow shapes on the wall for your newborn to watch.
In the Little Play app, this activity appears in week 1 of your baby's personalized plan.
Cognitive play
How to play
1
Dim the room lights and turn on a flashlight or phone torch aimed at a light-colored wall.
2
Use your hands to make simple shadow shapes: a bird, a bunny, a waving hand.
3
Move the shadows slowly so baby can track them with their eyes.
4
Talk softly about what you're making: "Look, a little bird is flying!"
What you need
• A flashlight or phone torch
• A light-colored wall
Simple household items. No plastic toys needed.
Why it works
High-contrast shadows are perfect for newborn vision. Tracking the slow movements strengthens eye muscles and early focus skills.
Get 3 activities like this every day
Little Play picks a daily plan matched to your baby's exact week, plus bedtime stories and plastic-free toy guidance. Free on iOS.
Download Little Play