Wondering what you can do with your little one today? Take your pick from these great games, guaranteed to put a smile on both your faces
Posted: 28 July 2011
by Tessa Watkins
Unwrapping
Why is it that babies prefer the paper to the present? Who knows, but it makes for giggles all round. Use old wrapping paper to wrap up toys for her to unwrap.
Fun with food
Make mealtimes a laugh by placing a clean cloth over your baby’s food and letting her pull it off. You may find she’s much more interested in her food after this game!
Sand play
Sand is sure to fascinate your little one and you can easily play with it indoors. Simply fill a paddling pool or large plastic tray with play sand (make sure it’s not builders’ sand). Provide plenty of plastic scoops, bowls and other toys, and show her how to play with them. Make castles with old yoghurt pots.
What’s that noise?
Babies are fascinated with all kinds of sounds. Squeak a toy in front of her, hide it under a cloth and see if she can find it.
Treasure basket
Fill a box or basket with safe household objects like a wooden spoon and a piece of ribbon, and let your baby play with them. Choose things that are different shapes and textures that she may not have seen before.
Crawling games
There are plenty of ways to encourage your baby to start moving around. Build a tower of blocks slightly out of her reach, to tempt her to move forwards and knock it down. Have crawling races or build an obstacle course with cushions. You could even create a ‘cave’ by turning your laundry basket on its side, so your little one can crawl inside!
Start with art
Paint captivates youngsters and can keep them occupied for hours. Lay down newspaper, put a couple of dollops of paint (choose one that’s suitable for children) onto a paper plate and let your baby play with it, then show her how to press her hand onto some paper and make a handprint.
Mum's story: “My baby playtime favourite”
“Maddie loves bubbles and giggles away as they pop. Now she’s plucked up the courage to catch the bubbles, which helps with her hand and eye coordination,” said Jem Spurgin, 21, from Dorking, mum to Maddie, 11 months.
You don’t need fancy kit or toys to try…
Who doesn’t love bubbles? Babies are fascinated by them! All you need is washing-up liquid, water and your hand in an ‘o’ shape to make them. Then add sound effects like ‘pop!’.
Noticed how much your baby likes posting things into slots? Make her own postbox by cutting a hole in a cardboard box, then give her lots of safe household objects small enough to fit in the hole and encourage her to post them in.
You probably played tents when you were little and you can still do it now. Just drape or peg a sheet over some chairs or the clothes airer and explore inside with your baby.
For more games and ideas for you and your little one, take a peek at Usborne’s 50 Things To Do With Your Baby.
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