Playing with your Baby
From infancy on, play is an important part of a child’s life. Through games and playful activities, children can practice and strengthen important skills that will help them throughout their lives, including learning to focus their attention, strengthening their working memory, and developing basic self-control.
Here are some games to play with your babies (6 Months):
- Peekaboo!
Babies love hide-and-find games and the element of surprise. This type of play challenges babies to remember who is hiding, and helps them practice basic skills of self-control.
- Pony Rides
Put your baby on your knees facing you. Bounce them gently up and down as you chant: “Trot trot to Boston, Trot trot to Lynn. Watch out little baby or you might fall in!”
- Fingerplays
Babies love songs and rhymes with simple hand motions. They can learn to copy motions and remember sequences, with practice. Some examples are Eensy Weensy Spider and Where is Thumbkin?
Playing with your child is so much fun for you and baby. One of the most important things to remember, though, is that you need to follow their leads. Babies will let you know when a game no longer interests them and they’re ready to move onto something else. You can also try alternating the reading of a board book with some of these games. This will allow baby to continue building that special bond between you both.
If you’re looking for additional tips and tricks when it comes to playful activities for you and your baby, we would encourage you to attend one of the special weekly programs that Citrus Libraries offers for babies and their caregivers. These programs are available daily, Monday-Friday, depending on the branch. Call your nearest location or visit our website citruslibraries.org to find when a baby program is offered near you.
