Activities for Babies

Floating CatchTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Variety of lightweight scarves of different colors and patterns Directions As you sit on the floor together, throw a scarf into the air and catch it in your arms as it floats back down.Throw another sc...

Blow a KissTime 5 minutes Materials None Directions You can teach your baby to give a gift of love as you blow a kiss to her and encourage copying blowing a kiss by spreading open your arms and saying, "Blow me a kiss." Extensions Help your bab...

Beanbag TossTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Large laundry basketPlastic sandwich bags or old socksPackage of dry beans Directions Physical games encourage decision making about when and how to move the body. Tossing objects at a target can give y...

Calm DownTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions To get your child to listen to you, get down on their eye level and speak slowly while making eye contact. Keep what you have to say simple and short. Extensions The next time you are shop...

That Makes ThreeTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials 3 medium-sized items such as a washrag, yarn ball, small cup, or set of keys Directions Hand control is still developing, but with this activity you throw in decision making as well. Sit on the floo...

Pointing PowerTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions Everything has a name, and it is fun to hear the words. Teach your baby to point at objects so you can say what they are. It will quickly become a game to your baby. Extensions Revers...

String AlongTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Hand-sized objectsA piece of thick yarn 2 to 3 feet long Directions Something as simple as grabbing for a toy helps to teach your baby how to control the environment. Tie the object or toy to one end o...

Fun with FacesTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions It is always fun for your baby to explore your face. Put your baby's hand on one part of your face or head, such as your nose, mouth, chin, ear, etc. and say what it is. Extensions Ta...

Climb AboardTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions By positioning yourself on the floor in a playful position, you invite a decision to participate.While lying on the floor, call your crawling baby to come play with you.Let your baby appr...

Early ConversationsTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions Babies are fascinated with faces and voices, and your first communications are through the sounds you make and the nearness of your face. It doesn't matter what you say, as long a...

Unwrap ItTime 10 to 15 minutes Materials Empty box wrapped in paper Directions Babies love to unwrap boxes, and you can cater to that joyful activity by wrapping a few to be torn open. Extensions Enclose small favorite belongings like blankets,...

Can You Hear Me?Time 5 to 10 minutes Materials Large pieces of furniture to hide behind Directions In this variation of peekaboo, you hide behind a piece of furniture. Call your baby by name, grabbing their attention before you pop out. Extension...

Touch TourTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials Safe common household items Directions Treat your baby to a bird's eye view of the world and a chance to touch things too high to reach. Carry your baby around at your eye level and name each object as yo...

Buzzy BeeTime 5 to 10 minutes Materials None Directions Communications can be fun when they are silly. While holding your baby on your lap, move your fingers around in the air and make a buzzing sound. Make thebuzzy bee land on your baby's tummy ...