Activities for Infants 0-6 Months

Although an infant under six months of age may seem like an inactive baby, unable to crawl or even sit, small babies can be remarkably busy and active. As you care for a small baby, learn about the first milestones she will achieve so you can anticipate them. Activities for infants under six months can be interesting and engaging for both infant and adult.

  1. Talking

    • Talk to your infant often, and establish eye contact as you talk. Babies need interaction, even before they can respond positively. The sound of a parent̵7;s voice may help soothe a fussy baby. By talking to your baby, your baby learns to recognize your voice. By about two months of age, many babies begin cooing using various vowel sounds. If parents imitate cooing sounds, a ̶0;conversation̶1; can develop between baby and parent. Keep a running commentary with your baby by describing the day's events.

    Singing

    • Just as babies enjoy listening to conversation, they also enjoy singing. Even if you do not think you can sing, the art of singing is still enjoyable to your baby. Sing nursery rhymes or children̵7;s songs to your baby to distract, entertain and engage him in positive interaction.

    Toys

    • When babies are tiny -- under three months of age -- they cannot grasp objects or toys. Even before a baby can hold toys, however, she can enjoy watching them. Place baby under a play gym that suspends toys over her head. Install a mobile over a crib for baby to watch as she lies in bed. Hold colorful toys and shake them for baby, so she can watch the toy move and listen to the noise it makes.

    Picture Books

    • Although a baby under six months has a short attention span, if you choose a time when your baby is not hungry or tired, you and baby can spend time looking at pictures together. Select books with objects that baby will find engaging, such as colorful blocks, balloons and shapes.

    Swing or Infant Seat

    • Give baby time in an infant swing or infant seat. Often, these special seats have music and vibrations that will help keep baby entertained while sitting. A small baby may enjoy the back and forth motion of the swing or the bounce of the vibrating seat, as these may remind him of the womb.

    Infant Carrier

    • Some babies enjoy spending time close to a parent in an infant carrier. Place a small baby in a carrier and wear the baby on your front, as you go about activities. While you wear your baby, you can talk to him, sing to him and point out interesting objects that you see. Your baby may feel so content and comfortable that he falls asleep in the carrier. Use caution when carrying your baby in a carrier, as infants can overheat easily.

    Rocking Chair

    • Rock your baby in a rocking chair. Spend time holding and rhythmically rocking your baby to give your child quiet cuddling. Often, parents like to rock while they feed, read to or sit with a baby.

    Floor Time

    • Give a small baby floor time while lying on a blanket. Because the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that babies sleep on their backs, parents can help improve a baby's motor skills by placing the baby on his tummy for supervised play. When you place your baby on his tummy, he can practice lifting his head and rolling over. Tummy time helps a baby develop neck and back strength.

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