Activities

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Activity library

193 activities with English and Chinese instructions. Browse by catalog age or development area, and log the activity you tried.

These are catalog age groups, not personalized recommendations or milestone deadlines. Choose for your baby's current abilities, stay close, and stop if your baby is uncomfortable. Added reminders are separate from the source instructions.

193 of 193 activities

4–6 months · 93

Anticipating Events#001 · Daily routines

Goal: Learning to anticipate mealtime
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: While feeding baby
How to do it: If you are giving the baby solid foods, make sure you feed him in the same place for each meal. This will help him begin to understand the routine of eating. Before you give him a spoonful of food, show it to him and tell him what he is eating. He will start to anticipate mealtime and begin to demonstrate some excitement.
Related milestone in the source: Begins to develop strong preferences for different food tastes.

Appropriate Object Handling#002 · Senses

Goal: Improve the baby's ability to handle different types of objects appropriately
Materials: Objects around you (i.e., flowers, your face, play dough, etc.)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Teach him to use different types of touch for various objects around him. For example, to touch a flower gently, or massage play dough, bang a drum, or softly touch Mom's face.

Balloon#003 · Senses

Goal: Expand the baby's capacity to follow moving objects
Materials: Balloon (if possible a Mylar Balloon)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a balloon to play with, encouraging him to follow its slow movement with his eyes and his body.

Basic Hand Games#004 · People & feelings

Goal: Socializing through play
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Play games with the baby that encourage the use of his hands, like clapping, rubbing his hands together, patting surfaces, and other similar activities.

Bending the Baby's Legs#005 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen abdominal muscles
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 7-10 times
How to do it: With the baby lying on his back, bend his legs completely until you feel a small resistance. Then fully extend them and repeat the exercise.

Body Parts#006 · Thinking

Goal: Introduce the concept of body parts
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: During hygiene activities
How to do it: Show the baby different parts of her body and tell her: "This is your hand," "This is your foot," and so on. This is especially good when she is naked, during diaper changes, or in the bathtub. Take the opportunity to name body parts whenever you can.
Related milestone in the source: Explores body with mouth and hands.

Body Parts - IV#007 · People & feelings

Goal: Increase the baby's understanding of itself as a separate entity
Materials: Mirror
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Sitting or standing in front of a mirror with your baby, name each part of the body while pointing to it. Focus on five parts at a time, with the primary parts first. You can also use the opportunity to sing a song that includes parts of the body like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes."
Related milestone in the source: Explores body with mouth and hands.

Changing Perspective#008 · Senses

Goal: Improve visual tracking
Materials: Large object
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Try to get the baby's attention focused on a large object. Move him around the object, above and below, so that he can see it from different perspectives.
Related milestone in the source: Looks at objects from different perspectives, turning them in various positions to see them in their entirety.

Chatting with Your Baby - II#009 · Talking

Goal: Encourage the baby to make sounds
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 7 - 10 times
How to do it: Use any activity that you are doing with your baby like eating dinner, bathing him, receiving a friend's visit as an excuse to start a dialogue about it with him.
Related milestone in the source: Improved vocal play; transitioning to babbling.

Clapping#010 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: When you are in front of the baby, clap your hands. Start slowly to try to get the baby to imitate you. You can also open and close your hands, grabbing small objects while he observes you.
Related milestone in the source: Clapping: might start clapping hands (between months 6 and 9).

Clapping - III#011 · People & feelings

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Clap and raise your arms rhythmically, trying to get the baby to imitate you.
Related milestone in the source: Clapping: might start clapping hands (between months 6 and 9).

Classify by Functionality#012 · Thinking

Goal: Classify objects by characteristics
Materials: Groups of objects (i.e., items of clothing, utensils)
Time or repetitions: Repeat with 3 groups of objects
How to do it: Put a variety of objects in front of the baby and teach him to classify them by functionality. For example, put a shirt, pants and shoes together and say, "These are clothes that we wear on our body!" Group a spoon, plate, and cup together and say, "These are things we use to help us eat."

Concept of Sequence#013 · Thinking

Goal: Teaching the concept of sequence
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Throughout the day, take the opportunity to show the baby how some activities precede others. For example, while washing his hands explain how you do this before eating; that you open the door before you can go outside, that you put on a diaper before pants, and other examples.
Related milestone in the source: Gets excited when realizes that it is playtime.

Crawling Foundations#014 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Make sure the baby is on a soft surface like a carpet, bed, or blanket. While facing down, but with his bottom raised, put one of his favorite toys 6 to 12 inches in front of him. Gently push him from the buttocks until he can reach it. Celebrate when he reaches the toy.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to get up on hands and knees to get into a crawling position.

Crawling Foundations - II#015 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: With the baby facing down on hands and knees, grab her feet and help her slide each leg forward slowly, just as if she were crawling.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to get up on hands and knees to get into a crawling position.

Crawling Foundations - III#016 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: Big cylinder or a bolster (needs to roll)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Put the baby face down on a big cylinder, like a bolster, a short pool noodle, or a wide mailing tube, in a way in which both her arms and legs are touching the floor. Put your hand on the baby's back, helping her roll the cylinder back and forth. Encourage her to do the movements by herself.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to get up on hands and knees to get into a crawling position.

Creating Sound#017 · Senses

Goal: Learn to replicate specific sounds
Materials: Rattle, maraca, or small box with stone inside
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Using a noisy toy, like a rattle or small box with a stone inside, shake it to produce a noise. Finish by knocking the toy against a table or drum. Encourage the baby to try it.
Related milestone in the source: High level of interest in toys that produce sounds like bells, music boxes and rattles.

Dropping & Picking Up#018 · Senses

Goal: Understand cause-effect relationship
Materials: Several toys with different shapes and colors
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Using one of the baby's favorite toys, help him to grab it, drop it, and then pick it up again. Describe the activity as he does it. For example, "The ball fell, let's pick up the ball."
Related milestone in the source: Nearly always uses a single arm to reach for something, rather than using both.

Dropping Objects#019 · Senses

Goal: Improve visual tracking and visual memory
Materials: Colorful toys
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Put colorful toys or objects in front of the baby. Pick up each one and let it drop near him. Bring his attention to the place where the object landed. If he tries to grab one of the objects, let him, making sure he can see both his hand and object simultaneously.
Related milestone in the source: Extends arm out to reach for an object that has fallen.

Eating Habits#020 · Daily routines

Goal: Establish habits
Materials: Spoon, plate, food
Time or repetitions: While feeding baby
How to do it: If you are feeding the baby solids already, show him the food in his bowl before feeding him. Allow him to play with the spoon and a sippy cup. Whether he is eating solids or not, sit him next to you during family meals to introduce him to eating habits.
Related milestone in the source: Might be able to grab and move a cup by the handle.

Exploring Round Objects#021 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to manipulate objects
Materials: Cylindrical/round objects
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby cylindrical or round objects and encourage him to hold them and explore them with his hands.
Related milestone in the source: Examines objects for a long period of time.

Exploring Surroundings - II#022 · People & feelings

Goal: Introduce elements of socialization
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: When you go out
How to do it: Take your baby to different places and talk about the places you are visiting, the actions that are happening, and specific situations or people that might be unfamiliar.
Related milestone in the source: Actively looks around when in a new place, exploring surroundings.

Exploring Your Face - II#023 · Senses

Goal: Increasing the baby's understanding and control of its surroundings
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Allow the baby to touch your face and hair with his hands. As he touches different parts of your face, describe what he is touching.

Exposure to Textures - IV#024 · Senses

Goal: Increasing the baby's understanding and control of its surroundings
Materials: Toys made of different textures (fabric, rubber, plastic, wood, etc.)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Place several toys with different textures and shapes close to the baby, so that he can explore them and interact with them. You can use toys made of fabric, rubber, plastic, wood, or foam.
Related milestone in the source: Wants to touch, grab, manipulate, shake, and taste objects.

Exposure to Textures - V#025 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 8 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Take the baby on a tour around your house to touch fabrics with different textures, like curtains, bedding, towels, and clothing.

Expressing Emotions - II#026 · Talking

Goal: Encourage the baby to make sounds
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Several times throughout the day
How to do it: Using a happy tone of voice, try to get your baby excited about specific things, like his favorite toy or another baby. "Look at your dog toy!" or "Look at the baby, how cute!" Try to get expressions of excitement from him, like squeals or smiles.
Related milestone in the source: Might direct sounds toward nearby people, objects and toys.

Face Movement#027 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Open and close your eyes or mouth slowly in front of the baby and encourage her to imitate you. Initially, the baby will likely be confused and may open and close her eyes while you are doing the same with your mouth. With repetition, she will do it correctly.
Related milestone in the source: Imitation: purposely tries to mimic simple sounds and movements.

Finding the Sound Source - III#028 · Senses

Goal: Identify the source of a sound
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 times throughout the day
How to do it: While he is looking elsewhere, call him by his name. Once he turns to look at you, excitedly say: "Yes! I'm here, you found me!"
Related milestone in the source: Begins to Recognize Own Name: reacts when called by name.

Finding the Sound Source - IV#029 · Senses

Goal: Identify the source of a sound
Materials: Various sound sources
Time or repetitions: Several times throughout the day
How to do it: Throughout the day, use different types of sounds to get the baby's attention and to have her try to find the source of the sound. You can call her by her name, clap loudly, turn on the radio, and play musical instruments.
Related milestone in the source: High level of interest in toys that produce sounds like bells, music boxes and rattles.

Funny Faces - II#030 · People & feelings

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 1 - 3 minutes
How to do it: Make funny faces, show the baby your tongue, and breathe heavily trying to get the baby to imitate you.

Grabbing & Handling - II#031 · Hands

Goal: Develop ability to hold objects with both hands at the same time
Materials: Big objects (big stuffed animal, small pillow, a ball, etc.)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby large toys and objects that encourage him to use both hands to hold them and play with them. Stuffed animals, balls, or a small pillow would be effective.
Related milestone in the source: Two-Hand Hold: can hold objects with both hands.

Grasping Using 3 Fingers#032 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to grasp
Materials: Wooden or plastic ring
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a large wooden or plastic ring. Encourage him to use only his middle, ring, and pinkie fingers to grab it. You will likely need to help at first, but you can gradually decrease the level of assistance you provide him until he does it by himself. Repeat the exercise with other objects like large sticks or teething cookies.

Grasping Using Thumb & Index Fingers#033 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to grasp
Materials: Objects with different shapes and textures (blocks, large wooden sticks, pieces of foam)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby objects with different shapes and textures. Try to have him grab them with just his thumb and index fingers. Start with larger objects such as large wooden sticks or teething biscuits and gradually decrease their size.
Related milestone in the source: Radial Palmar Grasp: objects are secured using the radial side of the palm, the thumb, the index and the middle fingers; all other fingers remain flexed.

Heavy & Light Objects#034 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to manipulate objects
Materials: Toys or objects with different weights
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Allow her to explore and handle objects with obvious differences in weight.

Hiding Toys#035 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate visual memory
Materials: Toy and cover
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Partially hide one of his favorite toys under a blanket. Then ask him where it is, revealing it to him after a few seconds. Gradually increase the portion of the toy that is hidden until it is completely under the blanket. You can accomplish a similar objective by playing peekaboo.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

Holding the Bottle - II#036 · Daily routines

Goal: Improve ability to self-feed
Materials: Bottle
Time or repetitions: While feeding baby
How to do it: Fill the baby's bottle 1/4 to 1/3 full and help him place his hands around the bottle to hold it. Over time, he will grab it himself and be able to hold it with both hands.
Related milestone in the source: Two-Hand Hold: can hold objects with both hands.

Imitating Facial Expressions#037 · People & feelings

Goal: Improve the baby's range of facial expressions
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Imitate any facial expression your baby makes: smiling, crying, yawning, and any others.
Related milestone in the source: Imitation: purposely tries to mimic simple sounds and movements.

Imitating the Baby's Sounds - II#038 · Talking

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Repeat and reinforce sounds or noises that he makes that are similar to actual words. For example, if he makes a "Goo" sound, you can respond with "Did you say GOOD?"
Related milestone in the source: Reduplicated Babbling: repetition of the same consonant-vowel syllable (e.g., "baba," "mama"); doesn't understand meaning.

Introducing New People - III#039 · People & feelings

Goal: Introduce elements of socialization
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform at social gatherings
How to do it: Expose your baby to different people. Get her used to interacting and playing with them as actively as possible.
Related milestone in the source: Social Skills: engages with other people, with preference for parents; smiles more openly.

Kicking Toys#040 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen leg muscles
Materials: Toys, mobiles, rattles
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Hang a few toys or mobiles within reach of the baby's legs and encourage him to kick them with his legs until they move.
Related milestone in the source: Makes vigorous swimming-like movements.

Lifting & Spinning#041 · People & feelings

Goal: Socializing through play
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Hold the baby firmly underneath her armpits. Lift her up and down and move her side to side-to-side, laughing and smiling while you do it.

Lifting by the Hands - II#042 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen arms and hands
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: With the baby lying on his back, grab his hands and slowly pull him up to a 45-degree angle and, if he is ready, bring him to a complete seated position.

Maintaining Sitting Position#043 · Moving

Goal: Improve balance and ability to remain in a sitting position
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 1 - 3 minutes
How to do it: Place the baby in a seated position in front of you on the floor, holding his arms or hips to keep him steady. When he is steady, gradually move away from him so that he is sitting on his own for short periods of time.
Related milestone in the source: Able to stay in a sitting position for a few seconds without assistance.

Maintaining Sitting Position - II#044 · Moving

Goal: Improve balance and ability to remain in a sitting position
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3+ minutes
How to do it: Look for activities that the baby likes to observe, like you playing with one of her toys. Place the baby in an unsupported seated position, where she can easily watch the chosen activity. Increase the amount of time she is sitting unassisted.
Related milestone in the source: Sitting: can remain in a seated position for limited periods of time, using own arms as support.

Mirror - II#045 · People & feelings

Goal: Increase self-awareness
Materials: Mirror
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Sit the baby in front of a mirror so that he can see his own image. Ask him: "Where is the baby?" or use his name.
Related milestone in the source: Understands the difference between a human face and non-human objects and animals.

Monosyllables#046 · Talking

Goal: Expand vocabulary
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 10+ times
How to do it: With the baby in front of you, repeat single syllables like "Pa," "Ma," and "Da." Then combine them to create short words, like "Papa," "Mama," or "Dada."
Related milestone in the source: Reduplicated Babbling: repetition of the same consonant-vowel syllable (e.g., "baba," "mama"); doesn't understand meaning.

Movement on a Bolster - II#047 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: Big cylinder (i.e., rolled towel or pillow)
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Put the baby facing down on top of a big cylinder, like a bolster, short pool noodle, or a wide mailing tube. Hold her by her legs and push her forward until her hands touch the floor in front. Keep holding her feet and roll her back and forth a couple of times.

Moving Toy - Around#048 · Senses

Goal: Improve visual tracking
Materials: Shiny toy or flashlight
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Find a small object that will get the baby's attention, like a flashlight, finger puppet, or shiny toy. Place it in the baby's line of sight until she fixes her vision on the object; then move it slowly from side to side, up and down, and diagonally so that the baby follows it.
Related milestone in the source: Deliberately turns head toward an object.

Moving Toy - Sitting Position#049 · Senses

Goal: Improve visual tracking
Materials: Rattle or toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: With the baby in a seated position on your lap, get her attention with a rattle or a toy. Slowly move the toy from one side to the other, trying to increase the visual range the baby is using to track it. Repeat the process until the child follows the toy with smooth head movements in both directions.
Related milestone in the source: Deliberately turns head toward an object.

Moving Toy - Sitting Position - II#050 · Senses

Goal: Improve visual tracking
Materials: Ball or toy car
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: With the baby in a supported seated position, roll a ball or toy car across a table or the floor in front of him. Do it several times, first slowly and then quickly. Over time he should gain skill at tracking the object, regardless of its speed.
Related milestone in the source: Turns head freely in both directions.

Naked Time - II#051 · Thinking

Goal: Reinforce the baby's understanding of its surrounding and itself
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Let him play naked. Encourage him to grab and explore his body parts and to take his hand and feet to his mouth.
Related milestone in the source: Able to put feet in mouth and suck toes.

Noisy Toys#052 · Senses

Goal: Differentiate sounds
Materials: Noisy objects (rattles, music boxes, noisy toys, small container with stones)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby objects that make different types of sounds, like rattles, music boxes, a small container with stones inside, or a bell. Encourage him to play with each item and make the sound himself.

Object Permanence#053 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Any toy or object
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Say the name of a toy or object that the baby is looking at; repeat the name. Once she focuses on something else, name the original object again. When she turns to you and the object, give it to her.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

Object Permanence - II#054 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Shoelace and key
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Put a shoelace or string through a single key that is part of a set of keys, knotting each end so that the key will not fall off the lace. Holding the shoelace vertically, let the keys drop from the top to allow the baby to follow the trajectory with his eyes. He will see that they don't disappear when dropped.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

Object Permanence - III#055 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Get your baby engaged with a toy. Once he is playing, take the toy from him, lift it up so he can see it and drop it on the floor. Show him your empty hands and ask him where the toy went. Help him look around until he finds it. Over time, as he finds the toy faster, you can sit in a chair with the baby on your lap to increase the distance he must search to locate the toy.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

One Hand to the Other#056 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: With the baby in a supported seated position, hold a toy in front of him on his right side, encouraging him to take it. Keep his right arm against his body, so that he needs to use his left to reach across to grab the toy. When he reaches the toy, let him have it and then repeat the exercise on the other side.

Optical Righting#057 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4+ times on each side
How to do it: While you are sitting in a chair, place the baby so that she straddles one of your legs. You can have her face you or face outward if there is a mirror or another person in front of you. Hold her by the hips and tip her to one side. Wait a few seconds to see if she brings her head back toward the middle; if she doesn't, encourage her to do so. Do the exercise multiple times, alternating sides.
Related milestone in the source: Sitting: can remain in a seated position for limited periods of time, using own arms as support.

Parachute Reaction#058 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: Soft surface
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: While you are in a vertical position, hold the baby horizontally so she is facing down. Lower her to the floor at a 45-degree angle, making sure to support her well. She should put her hands out before reaching the floor. If she doesn't do this, you can softly touch her head on the floor.
Related milestone in the source: Sitting: can remain in a seated position for limited periods of time, using own arms as support.

Peekaboo#059 · Talking

Goal: Encourage the baby to make sounds
Materials: A piece of fabric
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Cover your face with a piece of fabric or your hands and say: "If you want to see me, talk to me." Once he makes a sound of any kind, uncover your face, smile and imitate his noise. Repeat this several times. Once he gets the idea, he will start making noises to see your face.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

Pivoting#060 · Moving

Goal: Learning to crawl
Materials: Toy, smooth surface
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: While on a smooth surface, place the baby facing down. Show her a toy and put it out of her reach, behind her and toward one of her hips. She should begin bending the hip and knee of the opposite side in order to reach for it. If she doesn't do this, you can help her with the movement. As she starts to move toward the toy, move it farther away, ultimately making her go in a complete circle. You can periodically give the toy to the baby and continue the exercise to keep her interested. Do the same on the other side.
Related milestone in the source: Rolling and Moving: able to roll over, turn, and pivot in all directions.

Playing with Fingers#061 · Hands

Goal: Increase the baby's awareness of its hands and fingers
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Play various games, trying to draw the baby's attention to each finger. For example, count from 1 to 10 grabbing each finger, or sing songs like "Where is Thumper?"
Related milestone in the source: Gets excited when realizes that it is playtime.

Playing with Moving Toys#062 · Senses

Goal: Understand cause-effect relationship
Materials: Mechanic toys (that can move)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Find several toys that move on their own after performing a specific action. For example, a pullback car or a windup toy. Demonstrate to the baby how the toys work and then let him try to use them by himself.

Preparing to Creep#063 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen arm, back, and chest muscles
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: With the baby lying face down on your lap with his chest on one leg, hold a toy just above his head and encourage him to look at it. He will need to lift his head and chest with his arms to see it, arching his back in the process.
Related milestone in the source: Core Strength: lying face down, can adopt a superman-like position (arms and knees lifted, back arched).

Preparing to Creep - II#064 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen arm, back, and chest muscles
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 2 - 4 minutes
How to do it: Lay the baby face down on the floor or your bed. Hold a toy in front of him, high enough that he has to lift up his head and chest to see it. Encourage him to push his upper body with his arms so that he can see the toy. Over time he will be able to hold the position for increasing amounts of time.
Related milestone in the source: Able to lift chest up with arms when prone.

Preparing to Creep - III#065 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen arm, back, and chest muscles
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Place the baby on the floor face down, with her arms fully extended, lifting her chest and head. Hold a toy within her reach at her shoulder level or higher, encouraging her to reach for the toy. The baby will put all of her weight on one arm while she reaches out for the toy with the other hand.
Related milestone in the source: Able to lift chest up with arms when prone.

Radio#066 · Senses

Goal: Associate sounds and specific events
Materials: Radio or other music player
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Show him how to turn on and off a radio or other music source. Let him try it and act excited if he succeeds.
Related milestone in the source: High level of interest in toys that produce sounds like bells, music boxes and rattles.

Reaching a Sitting Position#067 · Moving

Goal: Improve ability to get to a sitting position
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: When the baby is in a seated position, shift her slightly to one side, so that her weight is on her hands or arms. Ideally she will return to a sitting position by herself, but you may need to guide her the first few times. Repeat in all directions. As she improves, you can move her to a lying down position, helping her sit from there.
Related milestone in the source: Sitting: can remain in a seated position for limited periods of time, using own arms as support.

Reaching for Toy Above - II#068 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: With the baby facing down, show her one of her favorite toys and slowly lift it approximately 6 inches above her head, with the toy still visible to her. Encourage her to reach for it using one hand.

Recovering Sitting Position#069 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: While your baby is in a sitting position in front of you, with or without support, move her forward and backward and then from side to side holding her by her hands or using a bar. This will improve her equilibrium.
Related milestone in the source: Sitting: can remain in a seated position for limited periods of time, using own arms as support.

Read to Your Child - II#070 · Talking

Goal: Familiarize the baby with the characteristics of sound: timbre, tone, and movement
Materials: Nursery rhymes
Time or repetitions: Recite 2 - 4 children's poems
How to do it: Recite short, simple poems with strong rhythm. Nursery rhymes and Dr. Seuss books are great sources. While the complexity and length of the poems will increase, you should continue to perform this activity frequently for as long as you can. Reading has multiple significant benefits for your child.

Rolling - III#071 · Moving

Goal: Introduce rolling
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Place the baby on her back. Bend one leg and, holding that knee, pull the leg across her body, over the straight leg until it touches the floor. This will cause her to roll over. Repeat on the other side.
Related milestone in the source: Rolling and Moving: able to roll over, turn, and pivot in all directions.

Rolling - V#072 · Moving

Goal: Stimulate rolling
Materials: Toys, open surface
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4+ times on each side
How to do it: Once the baby has started rolling, use a toy or group of toys to encourage him to roll a longer distance by rolling multiple times in a row.
Related milestone in the source: Rolling and Moving: able to roll over, turn, and pivot in all directions.

Rolling - IV#073 · Moving

Goal: Introduce rolling
Materials: Flat pillow or blanket
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Place a flat pillow or folded blanket on the floor and put your baby face down on it, with one side of her body remaining on the floor. Because her body is not level, she should attempt to roll to straighten herself out. Repeat on the other side.
Related milestone in the source: Rolling and Moving: able to roll over, turn, and pivot in all directions.

Rolling Ball#074 · Senses

Goal: Expand the baby's capacity to follow moving objects
Materials: Ball
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Roll a ball while trying to have the baby follow it visually. Then let her play with it.
Related milestone in the source: Turns head freely in both directions.

Say My Name - II#075 · People & feelings

Goal: Increase self-awareness
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Several times throughout the day
How to do it: Frequently call the baby by name when you are a few feet away.

Seeing & Reaching for a Toy#076 · Thinking

Goal: Increase ability to combine actions
Materials: Toy or rattle
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: With the baby lying down or in a supported seated position, hold a toy or rattle in front of him, close enough that he can grab it. Demonstrate how to grab it from you, putting it into his hand. Eventually he will take the toy on his own.
Related milestone in the source: Eye-Body Coordination: increased capability (e.g., looks at an object and tries to reach it).

Sensory Bathtub Play#077 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Sand, blocks, water, etc.
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Let the baby play in the bathtub. Fill it with different baby-safe substances like water, shaving cream, sand, foam blocks, or plastic balls.

Sitting Up#078 · Moving

Goal: Improve balance and prepare for sitting
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Lie down on the floor with the baby lying on top of you, with her legs placed over your torso and her torso on your legs. Hold her by the hands and raise your chest so that her torso is horizontal with the floor and her legs are vertical. Then alternate the movement by raising your legs and lowering your torso to the ground like a human rocking horse.
Related milestone in the source: Able to stay in a sitting position for a few seconds without assistance.

Singing & Dancing - II#079 · Senses

Goal: Differentiate sounds with different tone, timbre, and rhythm
Materials: Music, lullabies
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Sing songs and move him to the rhythm of the song, trying to imitate different voices and volumes in the song.

Sitting Up - II#080 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for sitting position
Materials: Small bar
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Place the baby on a soft surface, like a mattress or pillows, and give her a small bar to grab. When you are sure that she has a solid grip, raise her slowly. Once you have raised her a few inches, encourage her to continue lifting her chest until she reaches a sitting position. This is likely to take some practice, so do not expect her to go all the way to sitting position the first time. Once she has reached her maximum point for that session, help her back slowly until she releases the bar. Sing an encouraging song while repeating the exercise a few times.
Related milestone in the source: Able to reach a sitting position from lying on back, using similar movements to rolling (between months 6 and 8).

Sitting Up - III#081 · Moving

Goal: Learn to sit up
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: With your baby lying on her back, insert a pillow under her back and head so that she is raised 20-30 degrees. Hold one of her favorite toys in front of her. The position will allow the baby to reach the sitting position more easily. You can provide assistance at the beginning, if necessary.
Related milestone in the source: Able to reach a sitting position from lying on back, using similar movements to rolling (between months 6 and 8).

Smelling & Tasting#082 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate the baby's sense of smell
Materials: Food prepared for mealtime
Time or repetitions: While feeding baby
How to do it: When cooking or preparing meals, introduce different scents and flavors to the baby. As you let him smell and taste, say the name of each food.

Sound & Events#083 · Senses

Goal: Associate sounds and specific events
Materials: Toy and 2 sound sources
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Hide one of his favorite toys. Show him the toy and ring a bell or make another sound at the same time. After he has seen the toy, play a completely different sound and hide the toy. Repeat the sequence, always revealing the toy with one sound and hiding it with another. After a few times, the baby will begin to associate the sounds with the different actions.
Related milestone in the source: Remembers own actions in the immediate past.

Squeezing Noisy Toys#084 · Thinking

Goal: Understand cause-effect relationship
Materials: Toys that make a sound when squeezed
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5+ minutes
How to do it: Let the baby play with toys that make a sound when squeezed. Teach him how squeezing the toy makes a sound.

Standing Up Foundations#085 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen leg muscles
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 10+ times
How to do it: Hold the baby vertically with her feet on the floor; gently bounce her until her muscles engage and she takes some of the weight on her own. Reduce your support so that she engages more, but continue holding on to her waist to provide additional support.

Stretching Back, Legs & Arms#086 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen large muscle groups
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: With the baby facing up, hold her under her armpits with your thumbs on her chest and other fingers holding her back. Slowly lift her, trying to maintain a horizontal position. The baby will react by arching her back and stretching her legs and arms.

Talking while Moving#087 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate visual memory
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Talk to your baby while you are walking away from him, continuing to speak when you are no longer visible. Then come back slowly while still talking to him. He will realize that the sound continues even if he can't see you and will begin to understand that volume varies with the distance.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is conscious that an object is partially hidden, is still there, and could reach it.

The Meaning of No#088 · Thinking

Goal: Teaching the concept of stopping an action
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Whenever you need to establish a limit, say, "No," while shaking your head and finger. Explain exactly what it is you do not want the baby to do.
Related milestone in the source: Knows "No": starting to understand the meaning of "no" by recognizing the tone of the voice.

Tummy Time#089 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen neck and arm muscles
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Have your baby spend time on his tummy while he is awake. Tummy time should be repeated multiple times a day, starting with a few minutes at a time. As the baby becomes more comfortable, you can increase the time for each session.
Related milestone in the source: Front to Back Roll: when face-down, might be able to move side to side until rolls over onto back (between months 4 and 5).

Vocabulary#090 · Talking

Goal: Expand vocabulary
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Point to objects and call them by their complete name.
Related milestone in the source: Reduplicated Babbling: repetition of the same consonant-vowel syllable (e.g., "baba," "mama"); doesn't understand meaning.

Window View#091 · Senses

Goal: Expand the baby's capacity to follow moving objects
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Put the baby close to a window where he can watch cars or people passing by.
Related milestone in the source: Turns head freely in both directions.

Yes & No#092 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 2 - 4 minutes
How to do it: While slowly saying "Yes, no, yes..." nod and shake your head to demonstrate what you are saying. Do this until the baby starts to imitate your movements.
Related milestone in the source: Imitation: purposely tries to mimic simple sounds and movements.

Yes & No - II#093 · Talking

Goal: Developing the concept of yes and no
Materials: A few toys and a few objects that are inappropriate for babies (e.g., scissors or a butter knife)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Show the baby things she can touch, while nodding your head and saying, "Yes." Do the same with things she can't touch, shaking your head and saying, "No." Do this with other actions you want to reinforce as allowed or prohibited.
Related milestone in the source: Knows "No": starting to understand the meaning of "no" by recognizing the tone of the voice.

7–9 months · 100

Airplanes, Animals#094 · Senses

Goal: Associate sounds and specific objects
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Whenever you see an airplane, show it to him and say "Airplane." Then imitate the noise that an airplane makes and say again "Airplane." Also do this with animals and anything else that you can associate with a specific sound.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to imitate noises or sounds produced by objects (e.g., "boom!").

Anticipating Events - II#095 · Daily routines

Goal: Develop the skills to dress
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: While dressing/undressing child
How to do it: When dressing the baby, encourage her to raise her arms when it is time to put on her shirt. Over time, she will start to raise her arms in anticipation when you simply hold the shirt up. When she does this, praise her.
Related milestone in the source: While getting dressed, increasingly helps by moving and preparing his arms and legs as needed.

Anticipating Events - III#096 · Thinking

Goal: Learning to use clues to anticipate future events
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Help your baby understand that some activities require others in order to happen. For example, selecting clothes has to happen before getting dressed; opening a container and pouring food into a bowl or onto a plate has to happen before eating. Explain what you are doing as you are doing it.
Related milestone in the source: While getting dressed, increasingly helps by moving and preparing his arms and legs as needed.

Baby Talk#097 · Talking

Goal: Reinforcing baby talk
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Whenever she repeats any sound multiple times, like "Ma ma" or "Ba ba," or puts two sounds together, like "Ma ba" or "Da ma," show enthusiasm and tell her how excited you are.
Related milestone in the source: Expands variety of consonant-vowel syllables, but often repeats the same syllable multiple times before moving to another.

Banging Objects Together#098 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: Blocks, maracas or small balls
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Have the baby hold a toy in each hand, like blocks, maracas, or small balls. Show him how to bang them together.
Related milestone in the source: Grasping Objects: can hold two objects simultaneously, one in each hand; can bang them together.

Calling Someone#099 · Talking

Goal: Learning to call someone close to the baby
Materials: 2 adults close to the baby present
Time or repetitions: Perform at social gatherings
How to do it: Whenever you and the baby are with close friends and family, encourage the baby to call an adult's attention. Show him how to do it and encourage him to do it himself. Once he makes sounds or otherwise tries to call the adult, the adult should come over to the baby and thank him for calling so nicely. Repeat this exercise every time you have an opportunity until he learns to do it on his own.
Related milestone in the source: Variegated Babbling: more sophisticated form of babbling that combines different consonant-vowel syllables instead of repeating the same one.

Calling "Dada" Or "Mama"#100 · Talking

Goal: Teach the baby to call Dad
Materials: Magazine, newspaper
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: While one parent is holding the baby ask the other one to sit in front of both of you and cover their face with a magazine. Ask the baby "Where is Dada?" or "Where is Mama?" encouraging her to say "Dada" or "Mama." Once she says it, the parent will uncover their face and say in a happy tone "Here's Dada" or "Here's Mama!" Repeat this exercise, changing the object behind which the parent is hiding.
Related milestone in the source: Enjoys Peek-a-boo style games.

Cardboard Box#101 · Senses

Goal: Differentiating between different textures
Materials: 2 pieces of thin cardboard, glue, sand or rice
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Find two pieces of similarly sized thin cardboard and glue sand or rice onto one of the pieces to create a rough texture and let it dry. Give the plain one to the baby and let him play with it, bending it, tearing it, folding it, or whatever else he wants to do. Then take the other piece and have him feel the new texture, explaining: "This is rice, it is rough." Reintroduce the first piece and explain that it is smooth. Let him play with the rough piece to manipulate it in the same way that he did the first.

Clapping - II#102 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Grab the baby by her wrists and show her how to clap her own hands. Repeat it frequently until she starts doing it by herself. Celebrate by clapping your own hands or singing, "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!"
Related milestone in the source: Claps energetically and moves hands around to express excitement while seated.

Classify by Size#103 · Thinking

Goal: Classify objects by characteristics
Materials: 3 blocks (one bigger than the other 2)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5+ minutes
How to do it: Get three blocks, one larger than the other two. Give the baby a small block and let him play with it for a little bit. Then give him the larger block and let him play with it as well. Give him the third block and say: "Look, we have 1, 2, 3 blocks." Once he starts losing interest, line them up in front of him, point to the bigger block and say: "This one is different, it is bigger."

Cleaning Up#104 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to grasp
Materials: Jar with small objects or food
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give her a container with small objects, raisins, or Cheerios. Help her spill them on the floor or a table and encourage her to put them back in the container.
Related milestone in the source: Radial Digital Grasp: grasps objects using index finger, middle finger and thumb.

Cleaning Up - II#105 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to grasp
Materials: Container with raisins or cheerios
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Fill a container with small objects or food, like raisins or Cheerios. With the baby sitting next to you, empty the container onto a table or the floor and pick up each object, one at a time and hold it between your fingers. You want the baby to grab the item from your fingers and place it in the container. You can first explain what you want her to do, and then demonstrate.
Related milestone in the source: Radial Digital Grasp: grasps objects using index finger, middle finger and thumb.

Cold & Hot#106 · Senses

Goal: Differentiating between cold and hot
Materials: Ice, warm water
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Have the baby touch a piece of ice while saying, "Cold." Immediately afterwards, repeat the exercise with warm water and say: "Hot."

Crawl Up a Step#107 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen large muscle groups
Materials: Stairs
Time or repetitions: Climb up 2 - 4 steps x 3 times
How to do it: Hold the baby in front of a set of stairs and encourage him to crawl up the first few steps. Hold him and help him until he is able to do it by himself, which is likely to happen after he is 9 months old.
Related milestone in the source: As baby transitions to proper crawling, may sway forward and backward in crawling position without actually moving.

Crawl Up a Step - II#108 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's crawling skills
Materials: Low step, stool or sturdy box
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: Find a low step, stool, or sturdy box and help the baby to climb or crawl on top of the object. Initially, she will just lean on it with her arms, so you will need to show her that by raising her leg enough she can use her knee as leverage to lift up her second knee. Gradually, she will learn to climb it on her own.
Related milestone in the source: Crawling: able to crawl (between months 8-10); can do it forward or backward at the beginning.

Crawling#109 · Moving

Goal: Learning to crawl
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3+ minutes
How to do it: With the baby facing down, put one of her favorite toys in front of her, at least a foot or two away. Then help her to get into a crawling position. Help to move her legs as if she were crawling, alternating with moving her hands so that she doesn't fall down. When she reaches the toy, celebrate it enthusiastically.
Related milestone in the source: As baby transitions to proper crawling, may sway forward and backward in crawling position without actually moving.

Crawling - II#110 · Moving

Goal: Learning to crawl
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: Sit down with your legs extended and put the baby by your side, with her chest resting on your leg. On the other side of your opposite leg, put one of her favorite toys. Try to encourage the baby to crawl over your legs to reach the toy. If necessary give her a hand by pushing her from her legs or buttocks.
Related milestone in the source: As baby transitions to proper crawling, may sway forward and backward in crawling position without actually moving.

Crawling - III#111 · Moving

Goal: Learning to crawl
Materials: Piece of wide fabric
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3+ minutes
How to do it: With your baby on the floor facing down, take a blanket or a scarf and place it under the baby's chest. Grab both sides of the fabric and lift his chest 5 to 7 inches off the ground, so that he is in crawling position. Continue to support him, encouraging him to crawl forward; use a toy as motivation if necessary.
Related milestone in the source: As baby transitions to proper crawling, may sway forward and backward in crawling position without actually moving.

Crawling - IV#112 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's crawling skills
Materials: Toy, another person
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: You and another person sit next to each other with legs straight and slightly open. Using the legs as an obstacle for the baby, put the baby's chest on the first leg and one of her favorite toys on the outside of the fourth leg. Encourage her to crawl over each leg until she reaches the toy on the other side.
Related milestone in the source: Crawling: able to crawl (between months 8-10); can do it forward or backward at the beginning.

Crawling Through Obstacles#113 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's crawling skills
Materials: Various large obstacles - i.e., chairs, boxes, tables, baskets, etc.
Time or repetitions: Complete circuit 2+ times
How to do it: In an open space, distribute various objects like boxes, chairs, and small tables around the floor. Space them out and put a favorite toy at the end. The idea is to have the baby crawl around, through or under the obstacles to get to the toy. Start by helping her crawl through the biggest spaces. For example, you can place two boxes a few feet apart and have her crawl between them. Gradually, decrease the size of the space as her skills improve and she learns to protect her head. This exercise is very good for her back muscles.
Related milestone in the source: Crawling: able to crawl (between months 8-10); can do it forward or backward at the beginning.

Crumpling Tinfoil#114 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to manipulate an object
Materials: Tinfoil
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Find a piece of aluminum foil and help the baby crumple it into a loose ball.
Related milestone in the source: Uses hands in different ways; for example, uses one as support and the other to manipulate an object.

Dancing#115 · Senses

Goal: Stimulating rhythm
Materials: Music
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 8 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Play different types of music for your baby. Dance with him to the different rhythms, telling him when you are moving quickly or slowly.
Related milestone in the source: Listens carefully to conversations and songs, understanding the difference in tones.

Differentiating Tones#116 · Senses

Goal: Differentiate between various vocal pitches
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Say a phrase to the baby, first using a high pitch tone, then a low tone. Repeat this exercise frequently.
Related milestone in the source: Listens carefully to conversations and songs, understanding the difference in tones.

Differentiating Volume#117 · Senses

Goal: Differentiate between high and low volume
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: Say something to your baby using your normal conversational voice. Then get closer to her and whisper the same phrase. Move away and repeat the same sentence, but much louder.
Related milestone in the source: Listens carefully to conversations and songs, understanding the difference in tones.

Drinking from a Cup#118 · Daily routines

Goal: Improve ability to self-feed
Materials: 2 cups
Time or repetitions: Repeat 7 -10 times
How to do it: Take an empty plastic cup and give another one to your baby. Pretend that you are drinking from the cup and try to get the baby to imitate you. Encourage her, as she gets closer to doing it correctly.

Drinking from a Cup - II#119 · Daily routines

Goal: Improve ability to self-feed
Materials: Sippy cup(s)
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: If you haven't yet introduced a sippy cup, now is a good time to start. Try a few kinds of cups to see which type your child prefers, making sure you use one with a top to start. Place a small amount of water, milk, or juice into the cup and hand it to the child; place your hands over hers and guide the cup to her mouth.

Dropping Objects in Container#120 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: Containers and objects of various sizes
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Encourage the baby to drop objects into containers of various sizes. Start with larger containers with wide mouths and then gradually decrease to more narrow openings. You can use boxes, bowls, kitchen canisters and then move to water bottles and soda bottles. Similarly, start with larger objects, like stuffed animals, balls, and blocks and move to smaller items.
Related milestone in the source: Voluntarily drops objects, although lacks control to place objects on a surface gently.

Exploring Food Textures#121 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Food
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 1 - 3 minutes
How to do it: While feeding the baby, let her touch the food with her hands so that she can discover different textures. Then have her take some of the food that she has touched to her mouth so that she can associate taste and texture.
Related milestone in the source: High propensity to taste, suck, and take everything to the mouth as a way to better understand and explore the world.

Exposure to Textures - VI#122 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Objects with various textures and temperatures. i.e., tinfoil, cotton balls, sticky tape, a bottle with cold or warm drink, warm clothes after coming out of the dryer, etc.
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Select a few objects with different textures and temperatures such as crinkled tinfoil, cotton balls, sticky tape, bottles with a cold and warm drink, or warm clothes after coming out of the dryer. Give them to the baby one at a time, encouraging her to discover the textures with her hands, while describing the characteristics of the item.
Related milestone in the source: Inferior Pincer Grasp: grasps objects between index finger and thumb but uses the entire surface of each finger, rather than only the fingertips, to hold the object.

Fabrics#123 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Baby's clothes (while getting dressed)
Time or repetitions: While dressing/undressing child
How to do it: While dressing the baby, have her touch the different pieces of clothing. When she touches each, explain the various textures. For example, "This is your sock, it is very soft cotton" or "Feel the bottom of your shoe, it is bumpy leather."

Face Movement - II#124 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate the baby's imitation skills
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Show the baby diverse facial expressions and try to have him imitate them. For example, yawn while making loud noises, puff out your cheeks, or move your lips in different ways.
Related milestone in the source: Has a mental model of the human face and becomes interested in the way it looks and its different forms of expression (e.g., happy face, sad face, etc.).

Fast & Slow Clapping#125 · Senses

Goal: Differentiating rhythms
Materials: Music
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 2 - 4 minutes
How to do it: Play music with different rhythms, clapping along to the beat. Encourage the baby to clap with you by exaggerating your clapping.
Related milestone in the source: Listens carefully to conversations and songs, understanding the difference in tones.

Finding the Sound Source - V#126 · Senses

Goal: Identify the source of a sound
Materials: Noisy toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5+ minutes
How to do it: Find a few different toys that make different noises when moved, like a rattle or a bell, and have the baby play with the toys. Over time she will associate the specific noise with the toy.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to imitate noises or sounds produced by objects (e.g., "boom!").

Getting Down from the Bed#127 · Moving

Goal: Teach the baby to get down from higher places
Materials: Bed
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Often babies will crawl while on a bed without stopping at the edge or will also attempt to get down headfirst. Teach your baby to stop when getting close to the edge of the bed, turn around and get down with her feet first. To build this skill, put her on the bed with her feet on the edge of the bed. Then, holding her by her shoulders, slowly push her until her feet reach the floor. Repeat this exercise several times, gradually decreasing the level of help. It will take a few days, but she will eventually learn to turn around and get down the right way.
Related milestone in the source: Climbs onto and off of chairs and other furniture.

Getting the Toy#128 · Thinking

Goal: Improve the baby's sense of space
Materials: Toy, large object
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Show the baby that you are hiding a toy behind a large object. He may immediately reach for it. If not, help him get the toy by knocking down the object or moving around it to grab the toy.
Related milestone in the source: Reach Behind: seeks and reaches for an object that is behind self without needing to see it.

Getting to a Hidden Toy#129 · Thinking

Goal: Develop basic problem-solving skills
Materials: Toy, box, piece of fabric
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: With the baby watching, place a toy that she wants inside a box or other container and cover it with a piece of fabric. If she doesn't reach inside to get the toy, encourage her to do so. She will eventually uncover the container and pull the toy out.

Give & Take#130 · People & feelings

Goal: Stimulate the concept of independence
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: Find a toy that the baby enjoys and practice giving and taking the toy. First give the toy to the baby, and then ask her to give it to you. If she doesn't give it to you, gently take it from her. You can use various toys to find one that she prefers. Eventually, she will tire of the game and want the toy just for herself. When she is frustrated, you can stop the exercise.
Related milestone in the source: Becomes protective of self and possessions; might fight over a toy.

Give Me 5, Bye Bye#131 · Senses

Goal: Increase the baby's level of response to verbal orders
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Teach the baby simple games and movements in reaction to verbal requests. For example, "Give me five!" or "Wave bye-bye!" and help her do the actions with her hands. Once she starts understanding the movement and the meaning of the words, she will start doing it on her own when you ask her.
Related milestone in the source: Waves goodbye (between months 7 and 10).

Giving You Toys#132 · Talking

Goal: Perform the same action with several objects
Materials: Various small toys and objects
Time or repetitions: Repeat 2 - 4 times
How to do it: Pick a few different toys or objects and place them in a row on the floor or table. Ask the baby to give each toy to you, one at a time. Make sure to ask for the item by name "Please give Mommy the car." If he doesn't reach for the item immediately, guide his hand to the object and bring the item to you. Once he lets it go, thank him for giving it to you. Repeat the exercise frequently until he doesn't need your help to perform it.
Related milestone in the source: Understands individuality within a group (can pick one toy within a group, understands that they are separate toys vs. a single entity).

Grabbing & Handling - III#133 · Hands

Goal: Develop ability to handle and grab objects of different sizes and shapes
Materials: Objects of different shapes and sizes
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby objects that are new to her and that are shapes with which she is not familiar. Examples include a Frisbee or lids from large pots and pans, which will force her to hold the edges; or a large balloon, which requires two hands to hold. Give the objects to the baby from different directions so that she has to move or rotate her hands in order to be able to grab them. Eventually do the same exercise while moving the objects.
Related milestone in the source: Able to grab and manipulate two objects simultaneously, one in each hand.

Grabbing & Handling - IV#134 · Hands

Goal: Develop ability to remove objects from a container
Materials: Container (pitcher, basket, plastic glass)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Show the baby a small toy or object that sparks her curiosity. While she is looking at it, put it in a container and ask her to take it out. Start with a larger container, like a pitcher or a basket, and gradually decrease the size of the container until you are using small plastic cups.
Related milestone in the source: Uses hands in different ways; for example, uses one as support and the other to manipulate an object.

Grasping Just with Index Finger#135 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to grasp
Materials: Small cup or vial, Cheerio or raisin
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Put a single Cheerio or similar piece of food into a small cup or vial and encourage the baby to grab it with his index finger.
Related milestone in the source: Inferior Pincer Grasp: grasps objects between index finger and thumb but uses the entire surface of each finger, rather than only the fingertips, to hold the object.

Handling the Pacifier#136 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to manipulate objects
Materials: Pacifier
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: If the baby uses a pacifier, give it to her with the external part facing her mouth so that she has to rotate it around to put it in her mouth. Once she can do it perfectly with the pacifier, you can increase the complexity by giving her a bottle with the nipple pointing away from her. The objective is to teach her to manipulate objects with her hands.
Related milestone in the source: Examines objects from different sides and perspectives, improving understanding of 3-dimensional attributes of objects.

Head to Head#137 · People & feelings

Goal: Increase the baby's interactions with people
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Frequently play games that require the baby to interact with you directly, as opposed to toys. For example, sit him on your lap looking at you and gently touch your heads together after counting to 3. After a while he will start moving his head to touch yours in anticipation of the next round of the game.

Introducing New People - III#138 · People & feelings

Goal: Introduce elements of socialization
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform at social gatherings
How to do it: Expose your baby to different people. Get her used to interacting and playing with them as actively as possible.
Related milestone in the source: Higher ability to focus; demonstrates curiosity about people.

Joining the Fun#139 · People & feelings

Goal: Learning to actively establish contact with other people
Materials: Toys
Time or repetitions: Repeat 1 - 3 times
How to do it: Both parents sit in one corner of the room, away from the baby, and start an activity that might be fun for the baby, like stacking blocks or putting toys in a basket and emptying it. The objective is to get the baby's attention indirectly without calling her. At some point the baby will crawl to where her parents are and will try to join the activity.
Related milestone in the source: Seeks social approval and interaction with social environment (e.g., performs actions to get applause).

Kicking a Ball#140 · Moving

Goal: Transfer body weight from one foot to the other
Materials: Ball
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Hold the baby under her armpits in a standing position, with your body behind hers, with a ball in front of her. Simulate walking so that she accidentally kicks it while trying to take a step. Continue this activity, shifting her weight from side to side so that she kicks the ball with each leg. Eventually she will start kicking it voluntarily.

Learning to Self-Feed#141 · Daily routines

Goal: Improve ability to self-feed
Materials: Cracker or teething cookie
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: The baby may already be feeding herself finger food; if not, encourage her by giving her a cracker or teething cookie. Help her take the food to her mouth by moving her hand for her. Once the cracker is in her mouth, encourage her to chew by imitating the act of chewing yourself.

Manipulating Large Toys while Sitting#142 · Moving

Goal: Improve balance while in a sitting position
Materials: Large toys (i.e., large balls, pillows, or stuffed animals)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Place the child in a seated position and give her one or more large toys that require her to use both hands to grab them. You can use large balls, pillows, or stuffed animals. Place the toy in different positions, encouraging her to twist in order to reach the object.
Related milestone in the source: Sits Alone: can remain in a steady seated position for several minutes without using arms as support.

Meow, Woof, Cheep#143 · Talking

Goal: Develop active language
Materials: Images of animals
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 7 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Show the baby drawings or pictures of animals, making the appropriate animal sound for each as you show it to her. Do the same when you are playing with her using stuffed animals or toys that resemble animals.
Related milestone in the source: Might start combining more than one consonant-vowel syllable when babbling.

Mirror - III#144 · People & feelings

Goal: Introduce elements of socialization
Materials: Mirror
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: With a mirror in front of both of you, ask the baby to point to you and then to him. Celebrate when he is right.

Movement on a Bolster - III#145 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: Bolster or yoga mat
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Put a bolster or a wide mailing tube on the floor and place the baby on top, lying on her chest. Gently roll her forward so that she has to put out her hands to prevent falling. As this becomes more comfortable, you can push faster or use a larger tube.
Related milestone in the source: Crawling: able to crawl (between months 8-10); can do it forward or backward at the beginning.

Movement on a Large Ball#146 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: Yoga ball or large beach ball
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: With a yoga ball or large beach ball, place the baby on top of the ball, facing down. Grab her tightly from the waist or hips and gently roll the ball forward so her head starts moving toward the floor. If she doesn't raise her arms to touch the floor, help her do it by moving her arms until her hands reach the floor. Keep practicing until she does it on her own.
Related milestone in the source: Crawling: able to crawl (between months 8-10); can do it forward or backward at the beginning.

Moving Forward#147 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: Sit several inches in front of the baby when she is in crawling position. Encourage her to move forward to reach you or a toy you are holding with enthusiastic encouragement. You can say things like, "Come here to Mommy, you can do it!" or "I have your bear here."
Related milestone in the source: As baby transitions to proper crawling, may sway forward and backward in crawling position without actually moving.

Object Permanence - IV#148 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Toy and string
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Give the baby a toy tied to a string. Put a portion of the toy under a pillow or blanket and show him that when he pulls the string the toy appears. Gradually increase the portion of the toy covered by the blanket until it is totally hidden. Celebrate each time the toy appears.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Object Permanence - V#149 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Toy that makes noise
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Create a barrier with pillows or boxes in front of the baby. Using a toy that makes sound, show the baby the toy and then move it behind the barrier, making sure that the toy continues to make noise. When the toy is hidden, say something like, "Uh oh! The car disappeared." Then bring the toy out from behind the barrier and say, "Here it is!" Hide the toy again and help the baby find it.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Object Permanence - VI#150 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Sponge or cotton ball
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Find a soft object, like an article of clothing, a sponge, or a cotton ball and let it fall to the floor so that the baby sees it drop. Make a game out of trying to find the item. Once she finds it, repeat the exercise until the baby looks to the floor without your encouragement to do so.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Object Permanence - VII#151 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Cardboard box or other non-transparent container, toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Using a cardboard box or other container that is not transparent, hide a toy that the baby has been playing with. Then tell the baby to find the toy. You may need to demonstrate where the toy is the first couple of times.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Object Permanence - VIII#152 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Dishtowel or other piece of fabric, toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Using a dishtowel or other piece of fabric, wrap a toy inside. Help the baby open the fabric to find the toy.
Related milestone in the source: Able to grab and manipulate two objects simultaneously, one in each hand.

On & Off, Open & Close#153 · Thinking

Goal: Understand cause-effect relationship
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 10+ minutes
How to do it: Take the baby around the house, showing her how flipping a switch turns on a light or starts a fan. You can also show her how the doorbell works and how to open and close doors or windows.
Related milestone in the source: Understanding Cause & Effect: anticipates events that consistently follow a "signal" (e.g., if baby hears the doorbell, will anticipate someone's arrival).

One Hand to the Other - II#154 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination
Materials: 2 small balls
Time or repetitions: Repeat 4 - 6 times
How to do it: Get two small balls. Give one to the baby and keep the other for yourself. Start moving your ball from one hand to the other, encouraging her to imitate you. Describe what you are doing as you do it: "In one hand, in my other hand." Initially, you will need to assist her, but eventually she will be able to do it alone.

One Hand to the Other - III#155 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand-eye coordination and ability to manipulate objects
Materials: 3 small toys or objects
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give her one small object and try to have her move it from one hand to the other. Then give her two more small objects, one at a time. She is likely to drop one of the first two objects in order to grab the third one. Repeat it several times trying to have her figure out a way to hold the three objects at the same time.
Related milestone in the source: Able to carry two small objects in one hand.

Painting#156 · Hands

Goal: Learn to draw and paint
Materials: Finger paint or shaving cream, appropriate surface for the exercise
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5+ minutes
How to do it: Using finger paints or shaving cream on paper, a large window, or shower door, help the baby move her finger through the substance to make lines or circles.

Peekaboo - III#157 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate the concept of object permanence
Materials: Towel or small piece of fabric
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5+ times
How to do it: After demonstrating how to play peekaboo with your baby, place his hands or a towel on his face and encourage him to uncover it while shouting "Peekaboo." Applaud and laugh each time he does it to demonstrate your enthusiasm.
Related milestone in the source: Object Permanence: is able to recover an object that has been hidden as she observes.

Play Dates#158 · People & feelings

Goal: Socializing through play
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform at social gatherings
How to do it: Organize play dates with other children of a similar age or let the baby interact with peers at the playground so that the baby continues to get familiar with more and more people.
Related milestone in the source: Reacts to seeing a picture of another baby with babbling or movement; associates the image with self.

Play Dough#159 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Play dough
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a non-toxic play dough or edible dough and let her experiment with it while supervising. Show her how to poke and pinch it with her first two fingers and thumb.
Related milestone in the source: Radial Digital Grasp: grasps objects using index finger, middle finger and thumb.

Play Dough - II#160 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to textures
Materials: Non-toxic play dough (or silly putty), small non-sharp sticks
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a ball of non-toxic play dough or pastry dough you make. Teach her to manipulate the ball with her hands, pulling it and stretching it until it breaks. Introduce the idea of different textures to her. With the plain ball of dough, you can say, "This is smooth." Have her put a few popsicle sticks into the dough and have her touch it, saying, "This is bumpy" or "This is hard."
Related milestone in the source: Inferior Pincer Grasp: grasps objects between index finger and thumb but uses the entire surface of each finger, rather than only the fingertips, to hold the object.

Playing the Drums#161 · Hands

Goal: Learning to play the drums
Materials: Table, block, or spoon
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Demonstrate banging a block or spoon on a tabletop or high chair tray and encourage the baby to imitate your actions.

Playing the Drums - II#162 · Hands

Goal: Learning to play the drums
Materials: Drum, drumsticks
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a drum with drumsticks or a plastic bowl with wooden spoons. Teach her how to hit the drum with one stick and her hand, then both sticks. Initially she is likely to hit both sticks or spoons simultaneously, but will begin to alternate as she approaches one year of age.

Playing the Piano#163 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to manipulate an object
Materials: Toy piano or smartphone piano app
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3 - 5 minutes
How to do it: Teach the child how to play notes on a toy piano using a single finger. Then try using two or more fingers. If you don't have a toy piano, you can do the same on a smartphone or tablet app.

Playing with Your Baby#164 · People & feelings

Goal: Reinforce relationship between parents and baby
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Several times throughout the day
How to do it: An effective way to increase the bond between parent and child is to play. Interesting games create challenges and a sense of accomplishment for the baby. Throughout the day allocate time to play new games. Hiding objects, playing peekaboo, and making sounds from unexpected places are all appropriate for this age.
Related milestone in the source: Higher ability to focus; demonstrates curiosity about people.

Playing with a Doll#165 · Talking

Goal: Associate words and actions
Materials: 2 dolls or stuffed animals
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a doll or stuffed animal and take another one yourself. Perform various actions on the doll while you describe them to the baby. For example, "Let's feed the baby" or "Let's put the baby to sleep" or "Let's snuggle with the dog."
Related milestone in the source: Can imitate inflections, the rhythm of a conversation, and facial expressions more accurately than the words in the conversation.

Pointing with Index Finger#166 · Hands

Goal: Learn to point with index finger
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: 1 - 3 children's books
How to do it: Encourage the baby to point at different objects in picture books. You can move her hand and show her how to point, describing the object as you do it. Over time she will learn to point on her own.

Poking#167 · Hands

Goal: Improve ability to use fingers independently
Materials: Play dough, child safe clay
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 4 - 6 minutes
How to do it: Using play dough or other child-safe clay, show the baby how to poke holes into the surface with her fingers. First take her hand and demonstrate it for her, then let her try on her own.
Related milestone in the source: Uses hands in different ways; for example, uses one as support and the other to manipulate an object.

Pulling & Removing Objects#168 · Hands

Goal: Improve hand strength
Materials: Pegboard, different types of containers
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Introduce activities that require the child to remove and manipulate objects, which will help him increase hand strength. For example, teach him to place plastic rings on a stick or rod and then encourage him to remove them, show him how to remove the pegs from a pegboard or ask him to take the tops off of boxes or other containers.
Related milestone in the source: Uses hands in different ways; for example, uses one as support and the other to manipulate an object.

Pulling Out Objects#169 · Senses

Goal: Improve manual dexterity and provide exposure to different textures
Materials: 3 containers, 3 objects with different textures
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 8 - 10 minutes
How to do it: In each of three different containers, like a pot, a pitcher and a basket, place an object with a different texture. For example, a sponge in one, nail file in another, and stone in the third. Then put each container in a different position, perhaps one standing vertically, the other one facing one side and the third facing another side. Encourage the baby to get the object out of each container.

Push-Pull Toys#170 · Thinking

Goal: Understand using a tool in different situations to produce similar results
Materials: Strings, toys, stick push-pull toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Tie a toy to a string and place it beyond the baby's reach. Demonstrate how to bring the toy closer by pulling the string. Once she masters this, you can change the type of string or the toy or use a push-pull toy on a stick and repeat the exercise. Do the exercise in different places, helping her to understand that the concept applies to any toy, string, or place.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Reaching for Toy in Front - IV#171 · Senses

Goal: Understand cause-effect relationship
Materials: Blanket, toy
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Put one of the baby's favorite toys on a small blanket and demonstrate that pulling the blanket brings the toy closer. Encourage any effort he makes to do it.

Read to Your Child#172 · Talking

Goal: Recognize human language
Materials: Books
Time or repetitions: 1 - 3 children's books
How to do it: Read short stories to the baby, using the baby's name frequently to help maintain his attention while you read. While the complexity of the stories will increase, you should continue to perform this activity frequently for as long as you can. Reading has multiple significant benefits for your child.
Related milestone in the source: Might start combining more than one consonant-vowel syllable when babbling.

Recovering Sitting Position - II#173 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: On a soft surface, place the baby in a seated position while you are sitting behind her. Place your hands on her upper arms and gently push her forward, while guiding her arms toward the floor. The goal is for her to stop herself with her hands while she is leaning forward. As the reaction becomes automatic, you can move the baby more quickly, pushing her so that she develops the reaction.
Related milestone in the source: Strong Sitting: displays good balance while seated without using arms as support; bends forward and backward to reach for a nearby object.

Recovering Sitting Position - III#174 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: On a soft surface, place the baby in a seated position while you are sitting behind her. Place your hands on her upper arms and gently push her to one side, while guiding her hand toward the floor. The goal is for her to stop herself with the hand while she is leaning to the side. As the reaction becomes automatic, you can move the baby more quickly, pushing her so that she develops the reaction.
Related milestone in the source: Strong Sitting: displays good balance while seated without using arms as support; bends forward and backward to reach for a nearby object.

Recovering Sitting Position - IV#175 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: Toy
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Put the baby in a seated position and find a toy that he is interested in. Hold it just out of reach to the side or above his head. Once he reaches for the toy, encourage him to return to seated position. Repeat the activity.
Related milestone in the source: Sits Alone: can remain in a steady seated position for several minutes without using arms as support.

Recovering Sitting Position - V#176 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Put the baby in a seated position and sit immediately behind him. Grab him by the shoulders and gently pull him backwards. The goal is to have him automatically use his arms to break his fall. Initially, you will likely have to move his arms for him so that he is introduced to the movement.
Related milestone in the source: Sits Alone: can remain in a steady seated position for several minutes without using arms as support.

Recovering Sitting Position - VI#177 · Moving

Goal: Improve the baby's balance
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 3+ minutes
How to do it: While you are sitting on a chair, have the baby straddle one of your legs. Holding his shoulders or arms, move him from side to side, encouraging him to return to a seated position.
Related milestone in the source: Sits Alone: can remain in a steady seated position for several minutes without using arms as support.

Smelling & Tasting#178 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate the baby's sense of smell
Materials: Food prepared for mealtime
Time or repetitions: While feeding baby
How to do it: When cooking or preparing meals, introduce different scents and flavors to the baby. As you let him smell and taste, say the name of each food.
Related milestone in the source: Begins to develop strong preferences for different food tastes.

Social Exposure#179 · People & feelings

Goal: Increase the baby's interactions with people
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform at social gatherings
How to do it: Around this age, many babies will start to experience separation anxiety. You should take your baby with you when you are engaged in any kind of social activity, like visiting friends, eating out, or shopping. Periodically have other people hold the baby for brief periods to increase her comfort with strangers.
Related milestone in the source: Separation Anxiety: triggered by new understanding that baby and mother are separate entities; realizes mother might leave the baby periodically.

Speakers#180 · Senses

Goal: Stimulate perception to vibration
Materials: Speaker or radio
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Put the baby's hands on a radio, speaker, or another musical object that vibrates. Turn it on and off so that he can perceive the vibrations caused by music.

Standing Up#181 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen leg and arm muscles
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: With your baby lying on her back, hold her by the arms and slowly help her to a seated position. Then gradually continue, helping her to stand up.
Related milestone in the source: Can maintain a standing position by using furniture as support; still can't stand up without help.

Standing Up - II#182 · Moving

Goal: Learning to stand up
Materials: Toy and crib or furniture
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Position the baby close to the railing of her crib or next to a low piece of furniture. From above offer him a toy that she likes, just out of her reach. Encourage her to stand up to get the toy, pointing out the railing or the furniture as something that can help her stand. Assist her as necessary.
Related milestone in the source: Can maintain a standing position by using furniture as support; still can't stand up without help.

Standing Up - III#183 · Moving

Goal: Learning to stand up
Materials: Small chair or stepstool
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Seat the child on a small chair or stepstool. Hold her hands and encourage her to stand up, gently pulling her up very slowly, shifting her weight over her feet until she is standing.
Related milestone in the source: Pull to Stand: starts using furniture to try to stand, still needs help.

Standing Up - IV#184 · Moving

Goal: Learning to stand up
Materials: Small box or stool (about 7 in tall)
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: Place a sturdy box or stool about 6 or 7 inches high between you and your child. Hold a toy or other interesting object just out of the baby's reach when seated, so that the baby needs to stand up to grab it. The objective is to have the baby use the stool as support to first kneel and then stand to reach the toy. You can also leave the toy on the box or stool provided the baby could reach it only after standing up.
Related milestone in the source: Pull to Stand: starts using furniture to try to stand, still needs help.

Standing Up Foundations - II#185 · Moving

Goal: Strengthen leg muscles
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat 5 - 8 times
How to do it: While you are lying down with your legs extended, place the baby so that he is lying on top of you with his legs on your stomach and his back against your thighs. Hold his hands and gently pull to help him stand up on your stomach. If necessary, you can bend your legs to make it easier. Do it several times.
Related milestone in the source: Can maintain a standing position by using furniture as support; still can't stand up without help.

Tick Tock#186 · Talking

Goal: Developing passive communication
Materials: Watch or animal
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 8 - 10 minutes
How to do it: Show the baby a watch and explain: "This is a watch; it makes a 'tick tock' sound," although it's likely your watch makes no sound. Then ask: "Where is the watch?" If she turns to the watch, repeat the exercise asking her: "Where is the 'tick tock'?" Repeat the exercise until she is able to identify the object both by its name and sound. It can also be done with animals or other objects.
Related milestone in the source: Hearing fuels curiosity; pays close attention to subtle sounds like the ticking of a clock.

Transferring Weight#187 · Moving

Goal: Transfer body weight from one foot to the other
Materials: Bed
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3+ times on each side
How to do it: Stand the baby in front of a bed or couch and have her face the furniture, using one or both hands for support. Put a toy on the floor a few inches from her right foot. Encourage her to get the toy, which will require her to transfer her weight to her right leg. Let her play with the toy for a few minutes. Then place that toy or another toy near her left foot, requiring her to do the same exercise on the other side.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to Cruise: while standing supported by furniture, tries to place one foot in front of the other to move.

Turning Things On & Off#188 · Thinking

Goal: Stimulate short term memory
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Repeat with 4+ objects
How to do it: Show the baby how to turn a radio off and on. Do it a few times, so that she associates cause and effect. Encourage her to do it. Repeat the exercise with other devices and lights in your house.
Related milestone in the source: Short-Term Memory: remembers a series of actions completed in the immediate past, primarily in cases in which the baby was directly involved in the activity.

Using Materials in Various Ways#189 · Thinking

Goal: Learn to use/handle an object in different ways
Materials: Various materials (i.e., paper, play dough, etc.)
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5 - 8 minutes
How to do it: Give the baby a piece of paper and show her how she can crumple, smooth, or tear it. You can also use play dough for this purpose, showing her how to make a ball or a long snake that she can turn into a circle. You can also put a few small objects inside a small plastic container and show her that by moving it, she can make the objects inside shift from side to side. Shake the container quickly to show her that she can have the objects make noise like a rattle.
Related milestone in the source: Able to hold several ideas in mind at the same time (e.g., can communicate with mom while playing).

Various Activities with Paper#190 · Hands

Goal: Increase manual dexterity
Materials: Paper and books
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 5+ minutes
How to do it: Using paper, show the baby how to crumple it, tear it, draw on it and turn the pages of a book.
Related milestone in the source: Uses hands in different ways; for example, uses one as support and the other to manipulate an object.

Verbal Directions#191 · Talking

Goal: Perform actions by using verbal instructions
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Perform throughout the day
How to do it: Whenever you are doing play activities or anything else that encourages movement or stimulation, consistently provide verbal descriptions of what you are doing. This is one of the best ways to develop the baby's passive language and to help show that specific words describe a particular action, which she can then do. For example, saying "Up" or "Down" while you help her to get to a sitting position, will eventually lead to her being able to do the same exercise just by following your verbal direction when she has the motor skills.
Related milestone in the source: Able to hold several ideas in mind at the same time (e.g., can communicate with mom while playing).

Wheelbarrow#192 · Moving

Goal: Prepare for crawling
Materials: None, just you
Time or repetitions: Suggested time: 2 - 4 minutes
How to do it: With the baby facing down, raise her legs to try to get her to push up with her hands like playing wheelbarrow. Initially, she might need assistance moving her arms, which will require an additional adult to help. Eventually she will be able to move her arms on her own.
Related milestone in the source: Attempts to get up on hands and knees to get into a crawling position.

Yes & No - III#193 · People & feelings

Goal: Developing the concept of yes and no
Materials: A toy and matches or scissors
Time or repetitions: Repeat 3 - 5 times
How to do it: Sit at the table with the baby and place two objects in front of you, one an appropriate toy for the baby and the other an inappropriate object, like matches or scissors. After observing both objects the baby will try to reach for one. If she goes for the appropriate one, smile and say, "Yes, you may play with this toy." If she goes for the other one, shake your head and say in a serious tone, "No, matches are not for babies."
Related milestone in the source: Says " No" while shaking head side to side.