Growth and development is not haphazard, it has a timetable. Although there may be some variations, the pattern is predictable i.e roll, sit, crawl, stand, walk so on and so forth.
Every baby is different try not to compare your baby with other babies of the same age. All babies are different and learn to do things at different times – some babies are fast with some things, but slow with others.
So these 10 creative games to play with infants may work with some babies and may not work with others.
Experience rapid growth in terms of physical and cognitive milestones in infants from 4-12 months, while engaging them through interactive games to play. Your baby now senses and assimilates the environment around them, constantly driven by curiosity and the need to achieve milestones. Embrace this important developmental phase and nurture their growth during these precious months.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Every baby is unique, and their preferences for activities may vary. If your baby doesn’t enjoy a particular activity, don’t worry; try something else that captures their interest. Sometimes, they may be tired or not yet ready for an activity, so try again later. Babies grow and learn rapidly, resulting in ever-changing interests and abilities. Playing games with your baby is crucial for their development, allowing them to explore and engage their senses. Games can become more physical now, with knee rides and tickle games being enjoyable for your baby. They are also more responsive, making sounds and establishing eye contact with you. Babies learn through hearing words, so talk, sing, and read to your baby as much as possible during shared activities. Infants utilize all their senses to understand and learn about their surroundings. With this in mind, the V.A.K.T. method (Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic, and Tactile) is an effective way to engage your baby in games and activities. Explore a selection of creative games to play with your infant, fostering their development while cherishing these precious moments together!
1.Bubbly Bubbles:
Experience the enchantment of bubbles with your baby’s newfound ability to focus on distant objects. Take a trip to the park and blow bubbles to not only captivate your little one but also attract older kids like siblings, creating delightful games to play with infants that will undoubtedly fascinate them (and even us too). Bubbles hold an endless fascination for babies, providing an engaging and joyful activity for all.
2.Engage in Voice Games :
Immerse your baby in the world of voice games and watch their delight:
Experiment with high and low tones while talking or making sounds.
Blow air or whistle to captivate their attention and spark their curiosity.
Take turns with your baby, encouraging them to respond and imitate the sounds you make.
Foster their vocal development by repeating any sounds they produce.
Create a face-to-face connection with your baby as they observe and absorb the sounds you create.
These voice games provide a captivating and interactive experience, stimulating your baby’s auditory senses while promoting language development. Cherish these precious moments of playful communication and enjoy the bond you create.
3. Create a Homemade Rattle:
Make a simple and engaging rattle for your baby:
Take a small plastic bottle and fill it with rice and a few colorful pulses.
Securely close the lid to ensure the contents are safely contained.
Hand the rattle to your little one and encourage them to shake it, creating delightful sounds and exploring cause and effect.
This homemade rattle not only entertains your baby but also stimulates their auditory senses and fine motor skills. Enjoy the joyous moments of discovery as your infant engages with this delightful toy, enhancing their growth and development through fun games to play with infants.
4. Me in the Mirror:
Place your baby in front of a mirror, making sure you are sitting beside or behind them. Engage in playful games to play with infants by starting with funny faces and allowing your child to explore their own reflection in the mirror. It’s a wonderful opportunity to introduce body parts with the help of a rhyme, enhancing their learning and enjoyment. Embrace the interactive experience and cherish the bonding moments created through this delightful activity.
5. Fun with Paints:
Non-toxic paints are now available in the market (P.S. You may make colours from the comfort of your home using Food colours and water). Initially let your child dip his finger in the paint and transfer it on paper etc, you may have to model it for him. As time progresses, move to paint brushes (8 months onwards) , give them a big sheet of paper and let them get creative (I have framed my sons masterpiece at the age of 8 months ).
6. Bunny Racing:
Encourage your crawling baby’s movement by playing a thrilling Bunny race. Set up a mini obstacle course with desired objects. Start crawling, picking up objects, and watch as your little one follows suit. Enjoy these interactive games to play with infants, promoting physical development and creating joyful moments.
7. Bang Bang Wham Wham:
Turn your baby’s urge to bang and throw into fun playtime. Offer soft and hard objects, rattles, spoons, and vessels for them to explore. Let them enjoy the different sounds and sensations. These games to play with infants promote sensory development and bring delight.
8. To Touch Or Not To Touch:
Allow your infant to explore different textures through play . Offer objects and fabrics for them to touch and feel, like a soft cotton piece or squishy dough. Introduce various textures, such as rough jute, and engage their senses. These sensory games are not only enjoyable but also contribute to their development. Let them discover the world of textures and have fun with games to play with infants!
9. Stack Them:
Engage your infant with the captivating game of stacking. Encourage them to stack boxes, plates, blocks, plastic glasses, and more. Once the tower stands tall, let them experience the joy of knocking it over. This interactive activity promotes hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Enjoy the excitement of stacking and toppling with games to play with infants!
10. Pour Me In:
Let your baby explore the fascination of pouring with this simple yet engaging game. Grab two containers, preferably of different sizes, and provide a serving spoon or small bowl. Watch as your baby joyfully pours the contents from one container to another, discovering the concept of cause and effect. This activity keeps them entertained and encourages their curiosity to unfold. Embrace the wonder of pouring with games to play with infants!
A FEW NOTES TO KEEP IN MIND
1. Repetition is important.
2. Many games won’t work the first time you play them, but if you keep up your efforts your kid will eventually start responding once you begin a particular activity.
3. Your baby’s attention span will vary a lot, depending on his age, his temperament, and his mood. Sometimes he’ll enjoy a game for as long as 20 minutes, but more often you’ll need to modify the game every five minutes or so.
4. You’ll know your baby’s loving your activities when he’s turning toward you, smiling, or laughing. But if he squirms away from you, looks away, or cries, it’s time to change the activity.
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