Physical Activity
FOLLOW THE LEADER
What to do: See how many actions your child can imitate in a row by tapping the table, opening and closing your hands, clapping, and waving. Tip: Start with something your baby is already doing, like banging a fist on the table. Variations: Increase the challenge by adding new and more complex movements, but pay attention to your baby's reactions. Scale back if she seems frustrated—the activity should be fun. Skills learned: Imitation, back-and-forth conversation, memory |
Social/Emotional Activity
Babies discover different body parts and become very interested in their feet and hands.
What to do: Say the following rhyme. Each time you say the word, "fingers," wiggle your baby’s fingers. Each time you say the word "toes," wiggle the baby’s toes. Fingers and toes, fingers and toes. Here are your fingers, And here are your toes. Wiggle your fingers, Wiggle your toes. Here are your fingers, And here are your toes. Wave with your fingers, Wave with your toes. Here are your fingers, And here are your toes. Variation: Hold the baby in your lap and say the following: Where is your toe? Here it is! (Touch her toe and kiss it) I love your toe Very much. Where’s your nose? Here it is! (Touch her nose and kiss it) I love your nose…..very much! |
Cognitive Activity
What to do: Expose your baby to a variety of toys and textures, such as a soft stuffed animal, bumpy plastic rattle, or smooth wooden block. Because most objects end up in a young baby's mouth, always provide close supervision and be sure items are not too small.
Variety: At first, limit toys to one or two simple, colorful choices to help your baby focus. As he matures, modify a toy or activity. For instance, place a ball inside a box. This small change challenges your baby's cognitive skills without frustration. |