to music entertains and relaxes everyone. Babies love rhythmic movement, which becomes the basis for later walking, running, and skipping.
Turn on the music and let it move you. Ask your baby for a dance. Be it rap, rock, or melodic tunes, sweep your baby into your arms and dance away. Sing or hum the melody as you both sway to the music. After your dance, thank your partner and return your baby to a stationary location.
You can dance sitting down, too, by cradling your baby in front of you so you can look at each other while the two of you sway to the music.
Dance Little Baby
Dance, little baby,
Dance up high.
Never mind baby,
Mother (Father) is by.
Up to the ceiling,
Down to the ground.
Backward and forward,
Round and round.
EXERCYLE
Babies love to have their arms and legs moved for them, especially before they gain control of their own movements. A good workout helps your baby develop muscles and learn how to use them joyfully. And exercise helps everyone sleep better!
Hold the baby’s feet and gently guide them in a cycling motion. You need only to remind a baby as this is a natural exercise. Once you’ve helped a baby “get in gear,” your little one will try to carry on the game without help as he or she matures.
One appropriate song for this excercise is:
Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
Variation: To help a baby practice kicking, hold a toy or cradle gym within range of the feet so contact can be made.
FINGER GAMES
Finger plays, with their recognizable patterns, quickly become favorites with your baby.
Here Comes Mousie
Running your fingers up the baby’s leg, across the tummy, and into the neck area, combines the excitement of anticipation and the tickle. Let your voice pitch rise as the “mousie” approaches. “Here comes mousie. Here she comes! She’s going to get you!”
Bumble Bee
Use your free hand as a buzzing bee while holding your baby. Make a buzzing sound as your index finger circles the air. The baby’s eyes should be following your “bee.” Build gentle suspense before landing the “bee”—with a slight tickle—on your baby. Next, take the baby’s finger and help it circle as the “bee.” Land it on your cheek. This game can continue until the “bee” tires. Or use this rhyme:
Bumble bee was in the barn (Circle finger in the air.) Carrying his dinner under his arm (Closer to the baby.) Bzzzzzzzzzzzz. . . . . . . . . . (Poke baby.)
Tickle Me
Using the word “tickle” allows your little one to anticipate playtime together.
Tickle me, tickle me, tickle me, too,
It’s fun to be tickled because I love you!
I’M GONNA GETCHA!
Place your baby on the floor in an infant seat or on a blanket. Smiling, come closer to the baby, with hands outstretched. Say softly, “Watch out, Jami. I’m gonna get you. Here I come!” Build the excitement in your voice as you approach.
Gently grab your baby, while you say, “Gotcha!” in a bit louder voice. Laugh and hug him or her after each “gotcha,” so the baby knows it’s a game. Many parents and babies love it when “I’m gonna getcha” ends with mouth-contact blows on tummies and necks. Repeat several times, so the baby learns the pattern of this play.
If your baby is wary of this game, you might try having one adult hold her or him, giving “protection,” while the other adult pursues. If your baby still shows any sign of fear or unhappiness, stop the game. The next time you choose to play it, be more gentle so the baby feels less vulnerable.
Once your baby is sitting up and is familiar with the game, you can approach from behind, calling softly, “I’m going to get you! Here I come!” As your baby begins to crawl, it becomes the basis for a game of chase.
LOOK AT ME
Once your baby’s head control is good (usually two months or older), play time can add to strengthening those neck muscles.
Lay on your back, your baby laying face down and his or her head on your stomach. Sit halfway up and rest on your elbows and talk to your little one, “Look at me, look at me,” giving a big smile. Your baby will lift his or her head to see you. Ten seconds or less is long enough at any one time in the beginning before you recline again so your baby can rest too.
Once your baby is stronger, place a small rolled-up towel under your baby’s arms/chest in the same position on your stomach to practice and play “Look at me.” Or move your baby off your tummy and onto the floor using the rolled-up towel under your little one and play variations of “Look at me.” Coming from behind your baby, crouch to one side (“Jackie, look at me”) to encourage head-turning as you move from one side to the other side.
LOST IN SPACE
Make a fascinating visual toy to enjoy with your baby by filling a clear plastic soda bottle with water, a squirt of dishwashing liquid detergent, a few spoonfuls of cooking oil and a few drops of food coloring. Moving and shaking this colorful bubble bottle will delight and entertain.
LULLABY YOU BABY
The slow, gentle, rhythmic sounds of lullabies have soothed parents and children in all cultures for thousands of years. A rocking song can bring both parent and child to a quieter place, where each can feel the harmony. Don’t stop singing lullabies when your baby’s no longer a newborn—just expand your repertoire of favorites.
Rock-a-Bye, Baby
Rock-a-bye, baby, On the treetop
When
