Infant & Toddler Activities for Ages 3 to 6 Months
Between the ages of 3 and 6 months is a special time in your baby's life. Prior to this age, basic necessities like food, sleep and warmth will determine her actions and behavior. But, beginning around 3 months of age, your baby will become increasingly alert and interested in her environment and caregivers. By the time she's 6 months old, your baby will attempt to go beyond observation to participation and engagement.
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Imitation Game
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At around 3 months old, your baby will begin to imitate basic facial movements and simple body gestures. Imitating you gives your baby practice at processing what she sees and encourages engagement and learning. You can play imitation games anywhere from the waiting room at the doctor's to your sofa at home. Sit in front of your baby and practice simple faces like sticking your lower lip out, furrowing your eyebrows or making a big goofy smile. Wait for the baby to copy you, and act very happy and excited when she does.
Get Out and About
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New experiences help build your baby's understanding of words, environments and objects. Shortly after 3 months of age, you'll notice your baby taking a more active interest in her surroundings. Take your little one grocery shopping or for a walk in the park and talk to her about all the different objects and sights. Even if she appears inattentive while you're talking, her brain is building important connections between the words you say and what she sees.
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Read a Story
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Your voice and touch make reading to your baby an important activity that builds bonding and offers comfort. Babies between 3 and 6 months find human faces most interesting, so if you really want her attention, read books with pictures of other babies and young children. More important than interesting pictures, however, is hearing you speak the words. Practice reading to her whenever you have the chance, even if it's just a recipe you're using to make dinner.
Cause and Effect Games
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Around 4 or 5 months old, your baby begins understanding that people and objects respond to her actions. During this period babies enjoy grabbing and shaking noise-making toys vigorously and will also test your patience by throwing objects on the floor just to watch them fall. Interact with your baby by showing her how objects like rattles or tambourines make noise when she shakes them. Sit with her on the floor in front of a few overturned pots and help her bang on them with a wooden spoon.
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References
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