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Baby Games

Activities to Promote Motor and Cognitive Development

By Rae Pica

Babies need to move in order to learn! Here are several activities that promote motor and cognitive development and deepen the bond between Baby and you.

You can encourage rolling over by providing a little incentive. While Baby is lying on his back, sit behind him, holding a small toy over his head. Once you have Baby's attention, move the toy very slowly to one side, all the while encouraging him to get it. If Baby rolls over, present him with the toy. You can then repeat the game on the other side.

Provide your baby with bright, colorful objects to watch. Finger puppets or a brightly colored sock placed on your hand can be used to gain and keep Baby's attention.

Slowly move your hand up and down, in circles, and to the right and left. Blow bubbles for Baby to watch. When Baby is old enough, encourage her to reach for the bubbles or any other object of desire you place above her.

Body awareness is essential for babies. Sing and demonstrate Where Is Thumbkin? Play games such as This Little Piggy with both toes and fingers. Touch her nose, exclaiming, "I've got your nose!" Then proceed to play the game with other body parts such as toes, ears, fingers and legs. When Baby is developmentally ready, ask her to find your

Want to see more?

• Brain Builders Series
• Make Learning Fun: Developmental Games for Baby
• Sing and Play with Your Baby
• Talk about it!

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