Fun Games to Play With Infants

Copycat

• Even young infants can enjoy a game of copycat. As she experiments with sounds and starts to babble, imitate her. You can also make silly noises and see if she will try to repeat you. As she gets older, she will be able to imitate you more accurately and may even repeat simple words, like cat, go or mama. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is how she learns to communicate and it̵7;s part of her language development. Bath time and when you're changing her diaper are great opportunities for this activity.

Ball Fun

• Balls have a basic and simple design, but offer big fun for kids of all ages. If your child can sit unassisted, sit a few feet in front of her and roll the ball back and forth. Lightly bonking it on her head can be entertaining, too. If she can stand, position the ball in front of her, help her walk toward the ball and kick it. Repeat several times. If she just wants to knock the ball around the room, try to suck on it or put it in different containers, that̵7;s OK, too. All of these ball games can help her develop and refine her gross motor skills and coordination.

Dance Party

• No need to follow a hard set of dance rules when you̵7;re playing with your child. Turn on some music, wrap your arms around your baby and dance around the room. Slowly spin in circles, sway back and forth or gently bounce. Watch how your child reacts and use her cues to repeat motions she likes. Use slow movements if you are trying to calm her or lull her to sleep. Use faster movements for entertainment. If she can stand, kneel down in front of her, grab her hands and the two of you can dance there.

Pretend Play

• Pretend play can be great fun for both of you. Pull out some puppets and put on a little puppet show for your little one. If she points to one of the puppets, have that puppet ̶0;talk̶1; to her. Use different voices for each of the puppets to make it more exciting. Grab an old telephone and use this to play pretend. You can talk on the phone and then hold the phone for your infant for her turn. Stuffed animals and dolls can join you two for an afternoon game of pretend. Even if your child is too young for an official tea party, you can situate your little animal friends around you and your child and offer them blocks or sorting rings.