There are more ways to play with your baby than you may realize. Infants love interacting with their mothers and caregivers. These simple games will make your baby smile.
Young babies are so aware of the world around them. They are soaking in every little detail and learning what this new experience called life is. In the beginning they are not very mobile (that stage will come before you know it) but they can still participate in interactive games with their caregiver. Play is an important part of bonding with your baby and teaches your baby that you are someone they can trust.
Peek-a-boo is a classic and can be played with even the youngest babies. Babies do not learn object permanence, the awareness that something still exists even though they cannot see it, until about 9 months of age. Peek-a-boo makes a game out of learning the skills necessary to understand object permanence. At a time when babies are lighting up the room with their newfound smiles, peek-a-boo can be a wonderfully enjoyable game to play.
This little piggy and Round and Round the Garden are games that babies and toddlers of all ages will love. Young children love physical contact. It makes special time with mom or dad comforting and safe. These simple rhymes develop a baby's growing language skills and expose them to sounds and rhythm.
Balance balls are good for exercising but they can also be a great tool for playing with your baby. Just as a balance ball improve your balance and increases your strength, it will have many of the same benefits for your baby. Placing your baby with their tummy on the top of the balance ball and rolling the ball gently back and forth will help build strength and it is exciting for your baby. As your baby gets older you can sit them on top of the balance ball while you bounce it or roll it back and forth. Be sure and only do things that your baby is comfortable with and enjoying. Playtime should be a relaxing and fun experience for mother and baby.
Older children love playing Airplane but the game can be easily adapted for young babies. It is very important to support the necks of very young babies but as they gain the ability to hold up their head on their own a bit better they will enjoy being held slightly above your head using two hands. Do not move your baby up and down as you would an older child. Young babies have a startle reflex that makes them very sensitive to any movement. They will enjoy being held where they can look into your face but moving them too much will scare them.
Light shows are fun for babies. These can be done easily by using a flashlight and shining the light nearby where your baby can see it. As your baby gets older they will enjoy helping you hold the flashlight and chasing the light as they learn to crawl.
Bubbles are mesmerizing to watch for babies. They love watching them float away and pop as they hit the ground. This can be a lot of fun between mother and baby or a baby would also enjoy watching as older children run around and pop the bubbles.
Playing with your baby while they are young can be a very rewarding experience and create memorable experiences that you will treasure all of your life. They grow up so quickly but it is wonderful to enjoy the small moments while they last.
