How to Play With a 12-Month-Old Baby
Playfulness, curiosity and a readiness to experiment are the qualities that can make a 1-year-old a delightful companion. Give your child time to explore by herself, and take time to play new and old games with her. (The following information has been adapted from Dr. Segal's book series, "Your Child at Play.")
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Instructions
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Fold a piece of cardboard and make a hill. Show her how to put a toy car on top and let it roll down.
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Stack blocks: Large cardboard nesting alphabet blocks can be used as containers, building blocks and nesting toys.
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Build a tower, and then give her a turn. But don't be surprised if she would rather knock down yours than build one on her own.
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Play with sand. A soup strainer is a good sandbox toy because it's easy for her to manipulate, and she can watch the sand pour out from different heights.
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Show her her shadow on a sunny day. Stand in hers and let her stand in yours.
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Play with older children: If she doesn't have older siblings, invite some older kids over to play with. She'll mimic what they're doing, and you'll be surprised at how much she learns.
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Give her a stroller or shopping cart and send her for a stroll. Pretending and language development go together.
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Put a few items, such as a spoon, toy car and cup, in a shoebox. Name each one as she pulls it out of the box. The more you play naming games with her, the more opportunities she has to learn language.
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Tips & Warnings
Let your baby be your guide when selecting activities: What new skills is she working on? What sorts of toys engage her attention? What makes her smile?
If a particular activity seems stressful or frustrating, stop and give it a try another day.
Remember that all babies develop at different speeds, usually with spurts and plateaus.
Consult with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's development.
