6 Baby Games to Play

This is a guest post by my sister Sharron. This woman taught me so much when my children were babies (and she continues to inspire me now).  Sharron is amazing. She’s just one of those people who have that special touch.  Without her instruction, I don’t think I would have enjoyed so much play-time when my children were very young. So I asked her to guest post some of her ideas on the blog today.  Enjoy my sweet nephew’s laughs! They are absolute gold!

Playing games with your baby is more important than you may realise. Below are some of the areas playing can assist with:

• Bonding
• Motor control and hand/eye coordination
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Digestion and relieving constipation
• Social skills and emotional development
• Sensory development
• Language and vocab development

6 Games to play with your baby

Today I’m sharing 6 of the favourite games I played with my own children.  These games are ideal for babies  3 – 6 months.

Before playing games with a baby, there are few things to keep in mind. 

• Take ques from your baby for when is the best time to interact with them. Look for when they are relaxed and alert, and avoid playing if they are tired or fussy. 
• Babies need constant supervision, especially when they first become mobile.
• Babies love repetition.
• Babies are very precious, but they are not made of china. So be very gentle, but still firm and deliberate in your touch.
• If you’re worried about your baby’s development, see a doctor.

1. You’re Down

Hold the baby’s hands next to their body. Then gently lift their hands up over their head and down onto something soft, like a bed.  Be careful not to pull on their arm sockets.  I’ve had three children — all different temperaments — and they all enjoyed this game, especially during nappy change time when I needed to distract them.

2. Peek-A-Boo

Babies love playing “Peek-A-Boo”. Here are two different ways you can play the game:  You can either cover your face with your hands and peek out from behind them, or like in the video, put a light baby wrap (or other light fabric that won’t endanger your baby) over the baby for a moment before drawing it away.

3. Ride Your Bike

Gently move your baby’s legs in a circular motion, the same way you would ride a bike.  It’s a fun idea to sing as you do this. “Wheel on the Bus/Bike” is perfect. As your baby gets older and goes from liquids to solids, this game can be particularly helpful in the digestive process.

The wheels on the bus go round and round

The wheels on the bus go round and round,
round and round,
round and round.
The wheels on the bus go round and round,
all through the town.

4. Round and Round the Garden

The familiar nursery rhyme couples as a fun game to play with children.  Trace your finger over the baby’s palm while you say the rhyme, and finally creep your fingers up their arm to finish on “then tickle you under there”!

Round and Round the Garden

Round and round the garden,
Like a Teddy bear,
One step, two steps,
Then tickle you under THERE !

5. Toy and Floor Time

Place your baby on a mat or a rug on the floor with a few simple toys. I like toys with crinkly sounds and bright colours.  You can turn your baby on their tummy also, and place the toy just within their grasp.

6. Talking and Kissing

Talking to, touching and kissing your baby can be a wonderful bonding experience, and it’s fun for the baby too. Try making different sounds and see how your baby reacts.

Every touch, every smile, every moment: it all matters. Make the most of every opportunity because, trust me, they really do grow up too fast! My baby is just about to start high school!

Sharron has a background in early childhood teaching. She lives in rural Queensland with her husband and three children.  When she’s not driving her children around, and looking after her nieces and nephews, you’ll find her managing her shop on eBay. She sells a variety of children’s toys, games, clothes and more. You can check our her bargains at Sharron2794.

Read more

5 More Games to Play with Babies

Other Age Groups

Activities Children: 0 to 2 years

Activities Children: 2 to 5 years

Activities Children: 5 to 8 years

Activities Children: 8 to 12 years