Playgroup Activities for Infants

Infant playgroups are more than a socialization opportunity for new moms, although that is certainly one perk. Infant playgroups allow your new baby to begin the important process of socialization and spending time with people outside of family. These life skills are all essential, particularly for moms going back into the work force and babies entering day care. However, stay-at-home moms and their infants can receive just as much benefit from these playgroups.

  1. Music Circle

    • Have parents sit in a circle with their infants on their laps. Play classical or kid-friendly music from a radio or MP3 device. Allow the infants to look at one another while parents bounce the infants on their laps or help them clap their hands. Older infants can be given music-making toys or objects to hold while parents shake or tap the object to the beat of the song.

    Mirror Me

    • Let two infants sit in front of each other in infant seats or on their parents' laps. Let the infants watch each other and see if the infants mimic one another's behaviors. Similar to a child watching her reflection and learning about facial and emotional expression, this activity promotes a social aspect, as well. Be sure to supervise the babies and watch for grabby hands to avoid any injuries.

    Pat-a-Cake

    • A children's classic game can be used with infants, as well. Sitting your infants on your lap and facing another parent doing the same, take your baby's hands and perform the motions with the other infant. Use boisterous facial and verbal expressions to make the activity fun and exciting. Older infants with better head control and the ability to sit upright alone can be seated in front of each other and guided through this activity in a similar fashion.

    Exploration Walk

    • Moms with baby-wearing slings or carriers can take a short neighborhood stroll, introducing their babies to the outside world while getting some exercise and stimulating conversation. Be sure to allow the babies to gaze at one another during rest time and tell the infants where you are and what you are doing. Forward-facing babies will especially enjoy this activity, since they can see the world, but you may want to take smaller babies facing inward out at rest periods for a different view.

    Belly Blanket

    • Tummy time is important to develop neck and head muscles, as well as promote crawling and creeping behavior. Place a blanket on the floor and place a stimulating toy in the center. Lay each infant on his stomach towards the ends of the blanket and help your baby attempt to lift his head, reach for the ball or creep on his stomach, depending on his developmental level. This activity should be limited to 15 or 20 minutes (most infants won't tolerate much more tummy time than that, anyway.)

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