How To & Tips

Top 10 Fun Activities You Can Play with Baby

While some people may be under the impression that babies are incapable of doing much more than eating, pooping and sleeping, it’s never too soon to start playing games and activities with your child, helping him or her to reach communication, feeding, motor and sensory milestones. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that parents spend just 64 hours playing with their children under six months of age,  it’s time to increase that amount – after all, it can be fun for not only baby but for mom and dad too.

1 What’s That?

Early playtime often involves showing your baby various objects and explaining what it is. While they may not understand what you’re saying, simply talking is not only enjoyable to your infant, it helps to enhance cognitive development. All you’ll do is point out different things, holding each item, one at a time about a foot in front of baby’s face. For example, you might show him an apple and say, “This is a red apple, yum!” Babies tend to love books and magazines with pictures as well as colorful shapes and fabrics.

2 Shake and Rattle

Fill up empty water bottles or other empty bottles with things that make noise and are interesting, like buttons, rice or dry beans, and then add a bit of color with food dye or liquid dish soap. Just be sure the lid is secure. If you have a crawler, the baby will love chasing after it as it rolls across the floor.

3 Explore the Outdoors

Getting out in the fresh air is great for parents and a baby. Head to your backyard or a local park and let your child feel the leaves on the trees, the grass and other natural objects that are around while you explain what it is. By providing a narrative, when the baby is old enough he’ll start to pick up some of the words, connecting them to objects.

4 Peekaboo

Peekaboo is a game that nearly all babies love and will likely continue to love through the toddler years and beyond. That’s because they enjoy being surprised while learning that even though they may not see something, it still exists. Cover your face with your hands and then reveal it, or use a blanket to cover a toy while asking, “What happened to the toy? Where is it?”

5 Shadow Puppets

Shadow puppets are something parents have been doing for decades. Use your hands and get creative!

6 Animal Sounds

Point out various animal images and then make the sound that the animal in the picture makes. This is another one that won’t get old for some time to come.

7 Ball Bouncing

Search for balls with different colors and textures. When the baby is old enough you can teach him to drop, bounce and roll them while talking about their colors and how they feel.

8 This Little Piggy

This well-loved nursery game is all about baby’s toes. Start with the big one saying, “This little piggy went to market, this little piggy stayed home, this little piggy had roast beef, this little piggy had none. And this little piggy went wee-wee-wee all the way home.” During the last sentence, tickle baby’s tummy – it’s a great way to distract him during a diaper change.

9 Helicopter

When baby can hold his head up, it’s time to play helicopter, lifting him up over your head before quickly bringing him back.

10 Smells

Collect a variety of different scents, like kitchen spices and flowers, and then hold them under baby’s nose, explaining what each one is and getting an understanding of which smells baby likes.

Once your baby has reached the age when it’s time for potting training, you’ll find a whole new set of activities to enjoy after researching all those potty training resources to make the entire process easier for you and your child.

H. M. Kotb

Hala, a seasoned journalist with a passion for uncovering the truth and sharing it with the world. With years of experience under her belt, Hala has become a go-to source for anyone looking to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest news and stories from around the globe. Hala's love for journalism began at a young age, when she realized the power of the written word to effect change and make a difference in people's lives. As she grew older, she honed her craft, developing a unique voice and style that captivates readers and keeps them coming back for more. With a wide range of interests and expertise, Hala has covered everything from politics and current events to lifestyle and entertainment. Her blog is a reflection of this versatility, offering readers a glimpse into the world of news and stories from a variety of angles. But what sets Hala apart is her commitment to accuracy and integrity. She knows that journalism is more than just reporting the facts - it's about telling the whole story, even when it's difficult or unpopular. Her blog is a testament to this commitment, offering readers a nuanced and thoughtful perspective on the issues that matter most. So if you're looking for a journalist who knows her stuff and isn't afraid to speak her mind, look no further than Hala. Her blog is a treasure trove of information and insight, and she's always happy to engage with her readers and answer their questions.
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