Play Games With Your Baby
Babies love people, but sometimes it may seem that you are running out of things to do with your older baby. Your baby wants to play with you, but you’ve already visited the park and been on a walk, and paraded his or her toys in front of those attentive eyes. What next? Try these games with your five to twelve month old baby:
- Where Did It Go? While your baby watches, cover a smaller toy (for example, a plastic dog) with a piece of fabric. If you don’t have scrap fabric, use a small blanket or shirt. The brighter the color, the better! Ask “Where did the (dog) go?” After a moment, uncover the toy with “Oooohs!” and other dramatics. Repeat this over and over. Soon your baby will uncover the toy and even cover it back up again!
- Peek-a-boo! Cover your face with a small blanket and ask “Where’s Mom (or Dad or anyone else)?” Repeat 2-3 times and then uncover your face. Make excited expressions and let your baby know how happy you are to see him or her. Repeat over and over. Your baby will also uncover you and even cover himself or herself! You can also vary this by asking “Where’s (your baby’s name)?” while you are covered. You can also play peek-a-boo around couches and chairs that your baby can’t see around.
- Drum set. Turn 2-3 baking pots upside down and give your baby a plastic spoon. Use another plastic spoon to show how to “play” the drums. Your baby will quickly imitate!
Games are an important way for babies to learn. The first two games teach babies object permanence—the idea that objects and people exist even when you can’t see them. The third game improves eye-hand coordination. All three improve communication and imitative skills.
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