Age-Appropriate Play

Build on your child's current skill set and foster further development with a host of engaging games and activities from Holly Engel-Smothers, co-author of Boosting Your Baby's Brainpower and a contributing author to the Chicken Soup for the Soul series.
Lexicon Consulting, Inc. from Parents Magazine

Babies (up to 1 year)

Ready, set, go! Make the most of this first year by building a positive bond through play.

1-3 months

Watch for:

  • Face-to-face interaction
  • Lifting his head while laying on his tummy
  • Stretching, kicking, and starting to grasp objects
  • Genuinely smiling in response to seeing you
  • Responding to noises

Play this Today:

Tracking. Because baby is especially enthralled with your face, use it to stimulate vision. Make eye contact and slowly move your head from side to side -- her eyes will follow your simple movements.

3-6 months

Watch for:

  • Bringing both hands together
  • Sitting up with support
  • Enjoying bright colors
  • Babbling, squealing, and giggling to communicate with you
  • Responding to your facial expressions and sounds

Play this Today:

Be a copycat. Stick your tongue out, dramatically blink your eyes, and make goofy faces so your baby imitates you.

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