Play with Me: It Helps Me Learn

Watching and learning: Babies learn by imitation, copying what they see other people doing. You will see more of this in the months to come.

How big is baby? “So big!” At first you might need to gently show your baby how to raise her arms up over her head while you say, “So big!”

Hide and seek: Big brother or sister can hide nearby. You can say, “Where is _____? Your baby can help you try to find the person who is hiding.

Hiding things: Let your baby watch you as you hide a small toy under a cloth or cup or in your pocket. Does she try to find it? If not, try covering only part of the toy.

Music fun: Your baby will enjoy listening to many kinds of music. Show your baby how to clap and move her body to the music. As your baby learns to stand and walk, those movements will turn into dancing.

Toes Are Tasty!

Your baby is becoming more aware of his body, from head to toe. It is fun to watch his amazement as he discovers each body part. Most babies who discover their toes spend time sucking them. When they chew on their toes they get two sensations, one from their mouth and another from their toes.

A mirror will help your child study her face. Be sure the mirror’s edges aren't sharp and that it won't break if dropped. Your child will notice many details. Point out your baby's eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. Ask him to point to his own facial features.

Help your baby understand her body parts. Name each of the body parts as he discovers them. When your baby knows where his hands and feet are, add the fingers and toes, then the arms and legs.

Your baby will be interested in your body parts, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth. Your baby will pull and tug on your hair and nose. This may hurt you sometimes. Patiently teach her how to touch so that it does not hurt you. If your baby continues to pull and touch you in a way that hurts, use a firm voice and tell her that you will not let her hurt you.

Help Your Baby Learn to Problem Solve

Safety note: Remove the strings or ribbons from the toys when you and your baby finish your play session.

Tie string or ribbon, no longer than 6 inches, around some favorite toys. Place the toys out of reach and the string close to your baby. Pull the string to get the toy. Talk about what you did. “I pulled the string to get the keys.”

Put the keys back and see if your baby can pull the string to get the keys. This is a good high chair game if you tape the string to the high chair.

Tie strings, no longer than 6 inches, around other objects that are large, small, heavy, or light. Let your baby try to pull each one.

Place toys on a towel so your baby has to pull the towel to get the toys. Put toys in a box. Turn the box over. Does your baby lift the box off the toys?

Create simple problems for your baby to solve. Tell your baby how wonderful she is for solving the problem.