7 Baby Games and What Baby Learns

Posted by Administrator on 5/15/2014

As a parent, you want to do whatever you can to spur your child’s development. By playing some traditional baby games, you can help your child learn important concepts that he will build upon as he ages. These simple games will help your baby understand the world and his body. These might be helpful lessons, but don’t forget to make them fun!

1. Coming to Life

Pretend that your child’s favorite doll, stuffed animal, or action figure has come to life. Make it walk around the room, jump across furniture, and talk in a silly voice. Narrate what you’re doing. Mimic all sorts of emotions from the character. This will help your baby develop his imagination and learn to see every day things differently.

2. Push & Pull

At some point your baby will be standing with the support of other objects. Have her stand up by holding on to something you can gently move. Slowly pull the object away from your baby so she is encouraged to take a step, but not so far that she falls. This will get her used to the motion of using her legs to move without having to worry about balance.

3. Clap, Clap, Clap!

Nearing a year old, your baby should be able to hold her hands open and grasp objects. At first you will have to clap her hands together. Do it to the beat of music or a song you sing. The goal of this game is to teach her to begin using your hands together to perform more complex tasks.

4. Peek-a-Boo

It’s a silly game, but it is actually important for development of babies less than a year old. You can expand the game by hiding behind couches or under sheets so your body is completely hidden for a brief moment. This game teaches object permanence, the understanding that objects and people exist even when they aren’t within our senses.

5. Roll the Ball

Balls are popular toys for one-year-olds. They roll easily, so it’s fun for your child to interact with an object that can swiftly move around. Sit on the ground facing your child with your legs apart, but close enough to enclose the area (so the ball doesn’t take off). Roll back and forth. This game helps teach cause-and-effect and develop your child’s motor skills.

6. Dance!

Play different kinds of music and dance with your baby. You may have to hold him upright and move his limbs for him, but eventually he will get the idea and move on his own. Play different types of music to expose him to different sounds. This game will stretch his imagination, develop his rhythm and timing, and build muscles.

7. Chatterbox

Have a conversation with your baby! When baby is being particularly vocal, carry on a conversation as though she is saying something you understand. Don’t use baby talk; speak in a natural tone, albeit slower. This will encourage her to keep trying to form words and reassure her that someone is listening.

Written by Alicia Overby - Founder & President of Baby Elephant Ears

Alicia is wife, mother, and creator of Baby Elephant Ears. Baby Elephant Ears was created out of parental concern, not financial desire. In 2005, when their second child was an infant, he cried all the time and just couldn't seem to get comfortable.

After seeking advice and suggestion from the medical community and alternative medicine, they eventually ended up in the chiropractors office where their baby was successfully treated for a subluxation, discomfort most likely the result of the strain during labor, which was now being exacerbated by the normal lack of infant neck strength. Only proper neck, head, and back alignment would offer him relief. When they couldn't find a product to give their baby the necessary support, Alicia took matters into her own hands and crafted her own infant support pillow. The first Baby Elephant Ears was born!

For more information, visit www.babyelephantears.com.

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