Pull-up Sit-ups (Exercise)
Let's practice sitting up. Place baby on his back on the floor. Place your fingers in his
grasp. Enclose his fingers with your hand and pull him to a sitting position. You also can lay
him on your lap with his head at your knees. Help him sit up by pulling your fingers and
bracing his feet against your stomach. Watch to make sure his head doesn’t flop back too
much.
Look Ma, Two Hands (Thinking)
Hand your baby a toy that she can grab in one hand. Then show her how to move the toy to
the other hand. Soon she will learn to move the toy from one hand to the other.
Touch Me, Touch You (Language)
This game helps your baby realize that he is like you. Put your baby on a bed or a soft
carpet, and kneel above him. Lower your face to his and say "face" while you touch his
face. Then put his hands on your face. Add features--"nose," "mouth," "eyes," and so on.
Add "hair" if he has some.
See Your Reflection (Discovery)
Place a mirror where baby can easily see herself. Touch her nose and say, "nose." Help
her touch her nose. Add other features. Make faces for her to see. She may try to touch
the baby in the mirror. Show her what happens. Soon she'll begin to know herself--and it's
great for developing her self-confidence.
Galloping (Exercise)
Galloping around the room is a wonderful way to burn off energy and experience rhythm.
"Pop! Goes the Weasel" is an ideal galloping song. Lift him up quickly when you sing "Pop!"
Baby will love the fun.
Round and round the cobbler's bench, the monkey chased the weasel
The monkey thought 'twas all in fun, Pop! goes the weasel.
A penny for a spool of thread, a penny for a needle
That's the way the money goes, Pop! goes the weasel.
Rub-a-Baby (Quiet)
When you feel that your baby is getting tired, but can't quite settle down, hold him against
your shoulder, and rub or pat him gently and rhythmically. He will relax along with you.
Some babies like to have their bodies rubbed softly. Try singing lullabies at the same time.