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.

93 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.