Fun Activities to do with your Baby
When It comes to the first years of a child’s life it’s a key time for learning. Infant-development experts believe that activities that we engage our babies in can stimulate their learning in many ways possible.
Here are 10 fun ways to help your baby develop, grow and learn about the world around them.
Make Eye Contact: Making Eye contact with your baby will stimulate their vision. Infants recognize faces very early on and yours is one of the most important faces. Every-time your baby stares at you, he or she is building their memory.
Look in the Mirror: Let your baby stare in the mirror. At first, your baby thinks there’s another baby looking back at them. But he or she will love making the ‘other’ baby wave his arms and smile.
Keep Talking: Leave short pauses in your talk, where your baby (if he or she could) would speak.
Soon he or she will catch on to the rhythm of conversation and start filling in the blanks
Stick out your Tongue: Studies show that new-born’s as young as two days old can imitate simple facial movements- apparently, it’s a sign of very early problem solving.
Sing me a Song: Researchers have suggested that learning the rhythms of music is linked to learning math. Meaning, that if you want your little bundle to do well in school in a few years’ time, you better keep playing those tunes.
Tickle his/her Toes: By playing games like ‘This little piggy’ or ‘I’m going to get you’ teaches your baby about anticipation, Also Laughter is the first step in developing a sense of humour.
DIY an Obstacle Course: Boost their motor skills by placing sofa cushions, pillows, boxes or toys on the floor and then show your baby how to crawl over, under and around the different items.
Change the Scenery: By switching the highchair to the other side of the table. You will challenge your baby’s memory of where things are placed at mealtimes.
Chat your way through Nappy Changes: Use moments on the changing mat to teach body parts or pieces of clothing. Narrate to help your baby learn to anticipate routines. This is great for language development
Encourage playing with his/her Food: Meal-times can be great for practicing his or her pincer gasp (picking up small bits like cereals or raisins works a treat for this) and exploring her senses.
