Baby Games that Boost Interaction

Use Simple Games to Boost Interaction and Development

P lay is a fun, natural and effective way to learn.

These games have been used by countless parents for many generations and cultures to keep their babies (and themselves) entertained.

All the games give you and your baby plenty of opportunities to interact, which improves many aspects of their development particularly listening and talking. If you're lucky, you'll be rewarded with a smile or giggle from your baby.

Playing these games with your baby is also a great way to bond with them. They are also a fun way the rest of the family, including your other children, to join in.

Improving communication with your child will make your life a little easier. As they eventually will be able to communicate better, you'll less guesswork to do.

Take your time and try all the games out. You never know which one will be a favourite and if they bored of one you can try another, matching the game to your babies mood.

Parents told us they wanted a list of games they could try... as when they were tired out (as is often the case), thinking imaginatively becomes very difficult.

Add games to your daily routine whilst you care for your baby.

Tell us which one is your babies favourite and of any new games you create or know of that not on our list.

Games Without Props

Remember, your baby loves and needs all their senes stimulated, so do lots of touching, talking, expressions and other noises.

Repitition is a source of comfort and fun to your child, as they begin to anticipate what is coming next.

It won't take much effort to entertain you baby, and your babies reation will keep you amused too.

Tickle Blow

Blow gently on your babies tummy.

Tickle Kiss

Blow a gentle 'rasberry' on you babies tummy.

Three Kiss

Count out to three and with each number kiss your baby on each hand and then their face.

Find Funny Feet

As you dress your baby, pretent that you cannot find their feet. "I must Find those Funny Feet?...(search around)... Oh there they are! (as you hold them)".

Note: Did you know that your babies feet can reveal a developmental change in your baby... If you stroke the soles of their feet they will naturally curl X, after X they naturally curl X.

The Tickle Hand

Slowly bring your hand towards your baby, saying soming like "The tickle hand is coming to get you" and end by tickling your child.

Some parents find they can get a scream of laughter from their baby with this.

Nick Names

Giving your baby a temporary nick names might sound trivial, but they will sense the fun and playfulness in your voice.

Peek-a-Boo

Babies can really love this game and often find it hysterical to an extent that is puzzelling to us. Simply hide behind an object and pop-out saying "Peek-a-boo".

After a while you may grow tired of it but they probably won't. There is a good reason for this... Under the age of about nine months they do not yet understand that you have moved behind the object, as you dissappear from view - it looks to them like you have vanished and when you pop out, to them you appear from nowhere!

So Big I’m Gonna Get You

Fun in the Bath

Water is a great way to stimulate you baby's sense. Your baby can taste it, hear the sound it makes, feel it over their skin and even smell it.

So make the most of bathtime and rather than see it as a task let you baby expore a little and have some fun.

Games With Props

When your baby plays with toys, avoid having too many toys out at the same time as this will be distracting for them. As usual avoid background noise so you baby can easily hear your voice.

Soft Toys

Toys with varied texture and colour are best.

Point out soft and hard parts as well as other features. If you show some attention to the toy, you baby will see it as something they should look at too.

Jack-in-theBox

Baby Gym

XXXX

Soft Toys

XXXX

Roll-a-Ball

With your baby is sat down, roll a brightly coloured ball in front of them. Your baby will enjoy watching the ball move and may try and grasp the ball. The attempts to touch the ball encourages the baby to move and helps muscle development and their gross motor skills.

Once your baby can stop the ball, encourage them to return it to you.

Xylophone

Stimulate your child's ...

Rattle

Stimulate your child's ...

Ring Tower

Stimulate your child's ...

Don't forget to let us know about any games you invent or play that could be on this list.

Blocks

Tunnel

Stop and Watch

[Check baby talk + books]