Hold your baby on your lap. Ask: How big is (child’s name)? Then lift his arms up into the air and say: Sooooo big! Babies love this game and will eventually learn to lift their arms in response to your question.

Place your baby on her tummy on a soft blanket. Billow a light scarf in the air above her and say, Feel the wind! Let the scarf gently fall on her back and then slowly pull it off her. Wave it in front of her and see if she follows it with her eyes. This activity gives your baby some fun “tummy time” with you. Spending time on her belly is important for building upper body strength.

For babies who are crawling, show them a soft ball or interesting toy. Roll it or place it a few feet away and encourage your baby to get it. If your grandchild is cruising along the couch, you can place the toy farther and farther along the couch to motivate him to keep moving.

Gather several pieces of material with different textures—such as a tea towel, fake fur, felt, a silky scarf. Holding your baby upright (with hands under baby’s arms), let her feet touch one of the fabrics. (Or allow crawling babies to crawl on and over the fabric.) Try a few different fabrics to see which textures your grandchild seems to prefer. Games like this enhance a baby’s sensory and body awareness.

0 to 3 months:

▲ Let’s GET CLEAN! While changing a diaper or getting ready for a bath, gently play with your baby’s toes and feet, doing light tickles. Add “This Little Piggy Went to Market” touching a different toe per verse.   This little piggy went to market

                                               This little piggy stayed home

                                               This little piggy ate roast beef   [can substitute different foods]

                                               This little piggy ate none

                                                and this little piggy cried, wee wee wee wee, all the way home.

​After changing your baby’s diaper, hold onto your baby’s hands and wrists and count, “one, two, three, up!” GENTLY pull your baby to a sitting position. Smile and lower your baby to repeat.   Try saying Down slowly as baby lies back down.

​Peek-a-boo! After changing your baby’s diaper, put a soft blanket or clothing item over a part of his/her face saying “Where’s baby?” Then, pull it off gently, saying “Peek-a-boo!” Repeat with your baby’s arm or leg, describing the covered body part as you play. 

Play “Name the Body Part” while bathing or dressing. Ask “Show me your nose” or “Where are your hands?”

 

 

Ring Around the Tosies: Gently place a small ring toy around baby’s foot and lift foot into baby's view. Encourage baby to reach for it. Helps baby work on hand-eye coordination and core strength 


Week 24