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Baby Play

Games to Promote Baby's Development

By Rae Pica, Childhood Movement Specialist

Games such as pat-a-cake have lasted through the years because they work so well with, and offer so much to, infants. They provide opportunities for social interaction, imitation, touch, rhythmic awareness and yet another chance for Baby to hear your voice.

Following are other games you can play with Baby. But first, here are a few points to keep in mind when deciding what and when to play:

• As you choose activities to do with Baby, consider providing a variety of opportunities based on her level of skill development. You'll want to select activities she can easily master and those that provide practice in areas she is still developing. Remember, too, that repetition is essential in early childhood. Repeat Baby's favorite activities as often as possible. You'll tire of them long before she will!
• While you're playing, use language with Baby, describing what you're doing and what he's doing or seeing and delighting in his accomplishments. Not only will this provide motivation, but it also will promote Baby's language development.
• Some babies prefer a quiet approach to activity while others prefer a higher level of stimulation, which will affect the nature of your playtime. Baby may even alternate between the two, responding one time to a subdued style and another time to a more vigorous one. Be sensitive to your infant's moods and energy levels. Plan to play only when she's well rested and happy, and sense when she's had enough.

Here are some fun activities for you and Baby!

Provide Baby with bright, colorful objects to watch. Finger puppets or a brightly colored sock placed on your hand can be used to gain and keep Baby's attention. Slowly move your hand up and down, in circles and to the right and left. You might also play "sound" games with Baby. Shake a rattle or other noise-producing object above Baby's head or to his side, encouraging him to locate the sound. This provides practice with both visual tracking and sound discrimination.

Want to see more?

• Tummy Time: On the Back to Sleep, on the Stomach for Play
• To Swing With Clouds: Learning to Truly Enjoy Playing With Our Children
• Stimulating vs. Soothing Toys: Creating a Healthy Early Learning Experience Through Play
• Talk about it!

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