Play is an important part of a child’s development. When I had my first daughter I couldn’t wait until she was old enough so we could play together, but there were some key activities that I did with her from when she was 3 months old. In the very early weeks, your baby feeds and sleeps but they are ready to learn. I found by around 3 months, while she couldn’t sit up by herself she was happy to interact with me. Here are some play activities that you can do with your baby from 3 to 6 months.
1. Read to your baby. I used to read fabric books and colourful or textured books that my daughter could feel. Patterned books were also well received and she loved hearing the sound of my voice as a I read to her.
2. Mirror play time. Our baby play mat/play gym had an attachable mirror. My daughter would stare at herself and play with the mirror. This can be combined with tummy time.
3. Tummy time is not an enjoyable time for some babies, but it is important for strength building. Get down to your baby’s level as they do tummy time. Place toys within arms reach to encourage your baby to stretch and grab towards the toys. This builds strength towards crawling.
4. Singing and nursery rhymes are another bonding experience with your baby. Babies love hearing the sound of their mummy’s voice. Singing is also said to assist with reading development.
5. Peekaboo has been a favourite play activity with all my girls. This simple game helps develop your baby’s language, thinking, social, emotional and motor skills.
6. Make a sensory basket with items baby can pick up and touch. Here are some ideas of baby safe items.
7. If your baby enjoys kicking their legs, why not attach helium balloons to their ankles so they can marvel at what happens when they kick their legs.
8. Sit your baby on your lap facing towards you and do facial expressions that they can copy. Smiling at your baby releases chemicals in the baby’s body and makes them feel good and deepens your connection.
These activities may seem basic, but they will assist with your baby’s development. These play ideas will stimulate your baby’s brain and help them make sense of their world.
Can you share any activities that you’ve done with your baby in the 0-6 month age bracket?
