20 fun play ideas for your baby

1. Face photos.
Cut out a large photo of someone’s face from a magazine and stick it in a place where your baby can easily see it, but not grab it. Faces fascinate babies and this will fixate her for ages.

2. Massage.
Lie her naked on a towel in a warm room. Put on some relaxing music and gently massage her arms, legs and torso with oil in circular movements.

3. Telly-viewing.
Tellytubbies and the like are designed for young viewers – and a little rest for you both does no harm.

4. Water play.
If it’s a warm day, put a bowl of water on the lawn and let your baby splash her hands in the water. Add bubbles for extra fun! Stay around her to keep her safe.

5. Dancing.
Put your favourite song on, pick your baby up, and move her arms and legs in time to the music.
6. Paper play.
Give her scrunched-up paper to play with, but not newspaper. Babies love the rustling noise. A shiny, thermal blanket is even better (www. simplehike.co.uk).

7. Baby gym.
Fix a few different toys, such as a circular teething ring and rattle, onto her baby gym. Make sure they’re securely attached and safe for your baby.

8. Finger painting.
If it’s a nice day, strip her down to her nappy and move outside for less mess. Try www.elc.co.uk for finger-paints.

9. Food play.
Lay plastic sheeting on the floor and put some jelly, cooked spaghetti or bits of cereal on your baby’s highchair tray for her to play with. She can spend ages practising her pincer grip.

10. Nursery rhymes.
Bounce her on your lap while you sing rhymes such as ‘Ride a cock-horse’.

11. Kick about.
If your baby’s not yet mobile, she’ll enjoy having a kick on a mat without a nappy.

12. New scenery.
Play in a different room, or go for a walk with the buggy.

13. Music shaker.
Fill a small, plastic bottle with rice, and secure the lid tightly. She’ll love the noise it makes when shaken.

14. Drumming.
A baby who can sit up will enjoy making music with a pan and wooden spoon.

15. Garden or pet centre.
The garden or pet centre is a great place to visit for an older baby.

16. Peek-a-boo.
Make her favourite toy pop out to surprise her.

17. Tree-gazing.
Young babies love lying down watching the leaves moving.

18. Mirror gazing.
She’ll be fascinated sitting in front of a mirror for a few minutes with ‘the other baby.’

19. Pot play.
Babies who can sit unaided love putting things in and out of containers.

20. Box of tricks.
Put a dozen little items in a box with an easy-lift lid. An older baby will keep very busy putting them in and out and sorting them.