6 games to play with your baby
Take time to interact with your baby as much as possible, and make playtime an important part of her day. Just as toys are rated for age appropriateness, so are some games you can play together.
Games for your little one
- Peek-a-boo: A time-honored favorite, this game teaches your child that even though she can’t see something, it still exists.
- So-o-o big: Use grand gestures to teach your growing baby to stretch, and relate the motion to the words.
Games for your older-baby
By the fifth or sixth month your baby’s coordination, mobility, and attention span will increase. Now is a good time to introduce her to more complex games:
- Pattycake: This game teaches a baby to clap. When she can talk, she’ll be able to play it all by herself.
- This little piggy: This fun tickling game will make your baby even more aware of her fingers and toes.
- The itsy-bitsy spider: This game can help your little one learn how to coordinate words and actions.
- Where is it? Hide toys under her blanket or behind your back. Your baby will be so proud when she finds her hidden treasures!
As you discover your baby’s favorite games, keep them in mind whenever she’s uncooperative or fussy. Repeating her favorite rhyme may encourage her cooperation as you comb her hair, change her diaper, or attempt anything that may not be on her list of favorite things to do.
