Baby Games – Vital Role In Your Baby’s Development

Most first-time parents are pre-occupied reading articles about raising children. They are reading about what are the safe things to use, how to make their baby healthy, and how to make their babies smarter. It is a normal practice for parents as they are all concerned with the well being of their children. However, there is a basic thought that is very important for the parents and their child and that is parental interaction. This would help a child grow, learns and strengthens the bond. Parental interaction is very basic and fun. No need for step-by-step instructions. It can be done by simply singing, talking, and cuddling which plays a vital role in your child’s development. So does play time.

One goal of playing with a baby is to learn on how to interact with another person. Good baby play is like a good conversation. When you respond to a child as if he were talking, that baby will learn how to interact and communicate even just with smiles or in whatever way he can. Here are some games that can be enjoyed by both parents and your baby

Baby games from 0 – 3months

Tickle games: This game is simple and can help your baby develop laughter as well as encourage touch and anticipation in babies about 1 month of age. You can try blowing air through a straw at different parts of her body such as his stomach, armpit, arms and legs. You can also state the name of each body part as you play.

Music: Play a baby song most preferably nursery rhymes and hold your baby’s hands to clap, both feet to tap, bicycle his legs and at the same time, sing with the song. You can also show your baby how to clap hands, close-open, wriggle fingers, twirl, and bob up and down.

Colourful hanging toys: Hang moving, colourful toys on your baby’s cot. Choose toys that make pleasant noise to entertain the baby. Tie them securely and make sure that the size is not too small where the baby can ingest it.

Exploration: Bring your baby outside your home where he can see moving colourful things (playing children, flowers, trees, etc.). Babies can learn by simply watching things around him. Therefore, make his environment pleasant and conducive for learning.

Copycat: This game will help your baby’s movement coordination. You can let your baby lie down on your bed or any soft flat surface where your baby can be comfortable. In front of your baby, start with little movements like looking funny and imitating a cartoon character, imitating a voice of a cartoon character and mention your baby’s name frequently. You can also use a puppet. You will see that your baby will start smiling.

3 – 6 months

Catch it! This game can help your baby practise his hand and eye coordination. You can dangle colourful cutebaby toys in front of your baby and make it sway. And when your baby reaches out to touch or grab it, give your baby a lot of appreciation. Cute toys will also amuse your baby to try reaching the toy.

Peek-a-boo: This baby game is a classic because both the baby and older babies can enjoy playing it. It can be enjoyed starting on the baby’s 3rd month of age. It encourages curiosity and anticipation in your baby and helps improve his memory. Try multiple versions of peek-a-boo to keep your baby’s attention and add variety to your play.

Nursery rhymes: You can use this to interact with your baby as this can introduce new vocabulary and teach rhythm to your baby. Singing nursery rhymes while physically interacting with the baby will help him recognize your voice and strengthen your bond.

6 – 9 months

Ball rolling: Roll a medium size soft and cute coloured ball to your baby and teach him how to stop it and roll it back to you.

Puppet show: This game will help your baby to develop their imagination. Show the baby how you can make the puppets sing, dance, and move. The baby would love watching them especially if it is colourful to look at.

Playground: By this age, the baby can move around freely. He can play a lot of toys but you should still consider the size and make sure that it is toxic free. You can stay at ground level and peep out from behind them, or use a toy to encourage him to climb for it.

9 – 12 months

Build a tower: This game will help the baby learn about sizes and shapes. There are little blocks that are available in toy stores or you can use light weight books, plastic bowls or empty small containers. You can then assist your baby build a tower. Once it’s up, you can break it down and your baby will love watching it tumble and he will be encouraged to build it up again.

Ball game: A ball is the universal toy for all ages. The baby can do ball games with your assistance for example, put a light-weight ball in front of you, carry your baby and make his foot swing forward so her legs can kick the ball. This game can help strengthen your baby’s legs and prepares him to play football for real he gets older.

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