As a new parent, you may be wondering how to interact and play with your baby, while also stimulating brain growth and building motor skills. Below are many fun and simple games and activities to try with your baby.
Birth to 3 Months
• Where did it go? – Move a brightly colored scarf or rattle back and forth, encouraging your infant to follow it with his or her eyes.
• Sensory Experiences – Rub your baby’s arms or bare belly with a variety of fabrics (such as velvet, terrycloth, satin, and wool). Explore your baby’s sense of smell by exposing him or her to different smells, both indoors and outdoors.
• Diaper Changing Game – Hang an inflatable ball from the ceiling just above the changing table, close enough for your baby to reach. Capture his or her attention by moving the ball slowing to watch while he or she lays there.
• Blanket Swing – Create a hammock for your baby using a small blanket. Have two adults each hold one end and gently swing your baby back and forth.
• Rocking Balance – Roll a towel and lay your baby on his or her stomach on top of the towel. Gently rock your baby from side to side. This can also be done with a beach ball.
3 to 6 Months
• Mirror Reflections – Sit your baby in front of a mirror and ask questions about your baby’ body parts. Wave them and allow baby to watch the baby in the mirror wave the same body parts.
• Kicking Games – Attach small toys to your baby’s ankles and watch him or her kick. Consider toys with a rattle sound for added interest. Also try dangling toys for your baby to kick or creating a target with an item such as a pie tin.
• Push the Baby – In preparation for crawling, during tummy time, place your hands on the soles of your baby’s feet. Allow your baby to push on your hands.
• Pretty Light – Cover a flashlight with colored plastic wrap. Slowly move it back and forth, allowing your baby to follow the light.
6 to 9 Months
• Find the Sounds – Play hide and seek using sounds. Using a toy that plays music, hide it somewhere just out of sight and encourage your baby to look towards the sound.
• Puppet Peek-a-boo – Place a puppet on your hand and hide it behind your back. Play peek-a-boo with the same hiding place until your child begins to anticipate it, then change to a new hiding spot.
• Pop Game – Walk around the room singing “Pop Goes the Weasel”. Lift your baby up when you say the word pop, giving a kiss on the way down.
• Pillow Mountain – Make a small climbing mountain by stacking pillows and sofa cushions on the floor. Place a favorite toy at the top to encourage your baby to climb to the top.
• Clapping Songs – As your baby’s manual dexterity improves, he or she will be fascinated with hand movements. Incorporate clapping and waving to favorite songs such as Bingo, This Old Man, and Working on the Railroad.
9 to 12 Months
• In and Out – Introduce your baby to special concepts using a paper bag and a favorite toy. Place the toy in the bag and then help your baby find it and take it back out.
• Bathtub Ice – Drop an ice cube in the tub and see if your baby can retrieve it with a cup. Likely he or she will have to chase it around the tub a bit. You can also let your baby drop it him or herself.
• Copy Games – Do an action and ask your baby to copy you. Some actions include taking giant steps, taking small steps, making arm circles, holding and then dropping a large ball.
• Tug-of-war – Use a long scarf, with you holding one end and your baby holding the other. Gently pull and show your baby to pull. Your baby will likely think it is hilarious when you fall over after he pulls.
• Searchlight – Wrap a layer of tissue paper around the end of a flashlight, shine the colored light on the floor or low furniture, and encourage your baby to try to catch it.
What are some fun games you enjoy playing with your baby?