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.

100 of 193 activities

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.