Sometimes babies are quite happy to lie on the floor and gaze about while you get some housework finished, but all babies will be even happier if you get down on the floor and play games with them. It will also help them to start learning how to communicate with you and start developing their muscles. Here are some ideas for games you can play with your new baby.
Picture this
Always make sure there are images for your baby to look at while they are being changed or lying in their cot. Black and white pictures are great to help baby’s eye muscles develop and stimulate their brain. You can talk to them about what the pictures are of, even making up stories. Your baby won’t understand what you’re saying but will like hearing your voice.
Little page-turner
Reading to your baby from birth sounds ridiculous but it is one of the best things you can do. If you use the same book and read it often enough, they will begin to recognise it and get really excited each time you bring it out. Eventually, they’ll be able to recognise that pictures in the book go together with the sounds you make. And you are setting them up with a love of reading and books that will last for life.
Familiar tunes
Singing to babies is something we have been doing for thousands of years because singing is such a great sMother and teacher. You can use old nursery rhymes or a favourite song of yours from your childhood, moving baby’s arms and hands to the music. Fairly soon you will be able to soothe your baby by singing a familiar tune.
Ground work
Make sure your baby has plenty of floor time. It can be tempting to carry her around or put her in a sling, but being on the floor is valuable exercise and being on their tummies will help her strengthen her head and shoulder muscles and eventually roll over. Set up a corner where baby can have floor time, and hang lots of bright objects there to stimulate her vision. Have some toys that make a noise and, if you laugh, your baby will learn to laugh with you every time you squeeze it.
Pulling faces
Make lots of facial expressions. You may feel like an idiot but your baby will love it when you poke out your tongue or wrinkle your nose. He will study you, learn how to do it and imitate you before long.
In focus
Find a rattle and shake it while moving it from side to side, getting your baby to follow it with their eyes to help them practise focusing. Also hide the rattle so that your baby has to search to find it.
Make a splash
Make bath time more than just an opportunity to get your baby clean. Hopping in the big bath and holding your baby can make it more fun as you sing and splash with them. oost babies will love the feel of water and enjoy splashing about with you.
Think outside
Get outside when it’s fine. The fresh air is great and babies like to look at bright coloured flowers and leaves swaying in the wind. Let him touch the flowers, leaves and dirt. on a really warm day, you can even take the cot outside with you and position it under a tree so he can watch the branches move in the breeze.
Step by step
Start going for walks as soon as you feel able. Babies love to look at new things, so don’t have them lying flat – sit them up a little so they can see out of their pram or pushchair.
oirror image
Try erecting a small mirror on your baby’s play mat so that they can see themselves in the reflection. When she is having tummy time, it can encourage her to hold her head up and look at herself. Also use the mirrors around the house and talk about what you can see, getting her to touch her nose or eyes in the mirror.
Brothers and sisters
Encourage your baby’s siblings to spend time talking and interacting with them. Some kids can really enjoy making up stories for baby and showing them their favourite toys and books.
**
**
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
