Mobile Infant Activities
A few months of carrying your infant around everywhere quickly gives way to frenzied child-proofing and anxious playdate planning. The once-sedentary being can now steamroll his way over to the nearest object, clap hands to music or climb onto the loveseat. For strong limbs and sharp coordination, these developmental milestones must be encouraged. From the point he can pick up his own rattle and play with it, your range of activity options open as wide as the world of your baby.
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Four to Six Months
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Your baby can grab her feet, put objects in her mouth and maybe even roll around on that activity mat a bit. She may not be getting very far in distance, but there are plenty of baby games you two can play together. If she's not yet sitting up by herself, place a colorful sock on her foot and let her try to grab it off. Use tummy time to teach her how to reach for things by placing a small toy in front of her just slightly out of reach. If she is sitting steady, roll a ball to her and cheer her on every time she picks it up. Use a silk scarf to put over her head and teach her to pull it off with a game of peek-a-boo.
Six to Eight Months
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By now he is developing a strong urge to explore. He is probably crawling. He may even be pulling himself up with the help of furniture. Pile up pillows on the living room floor and let him crawl over them. Fill a basket with a few large wooden beads, bean bags or other soft toys and let him take them out and put them back in. Stand him up in front of a ball and show him how to kick it by moving his foot back and forth. Connect a few large cardboard boxes to create a tunnel through which he can crawl.
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Eight to 10 Months
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Cruising becomes a favorite pastime by 10 months. She is deftly using chairs and tables to make her way across a room. Climbing also tempts your tot to scale bookshelves and possibly even her crib. Carve a path for her by lining a row of chairs along a wall and letting her make her way up and down the line. Stack couch cushions or bed pillows in different heights and encourage her to climb over them by holding her hands while she "walks." Some babies also enjoy pushing chairs around a room like a walker.
10 to 12 Months
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Baby is starting to take his first steps, whether solo or assisted. He is also mastering fine motor skills. Try taking him out to a park and letting him walk through the grass by holding onto your hands. Help him practice fine motor skills by providing sorting games where he can move small objects from one container to another. Building and stacking are favorite activities, so be sure to provide plenty of blocks. Give him a pull or push toy to drag along as he learns to steady his gait. Put on some music and encourage him to dance, which will help him with balance and coordination.
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References
- Babycenter: 20 Fun, Silly, Development-Boosting Games to Play with Your Baby
- U.S. Department of Education: Healthy Start, Grow Smart: Your Four-Month-Old
- U.S. Department of Education: Healthy Start, Grow Smart: Your Six-Month-Old
- Heathly Children: Ages & Stages: Movement 4 to 7 Months
- Kids Health: Movement, Coordination and Your 8- to 12-Month-Old
- Parenting: He's on the Run
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
