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.

25 of 193 activities

7–9 months · 25

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.