When they are old enough to use crayons for coloring rather than just tasting, set them down on the floor with some plain paper and a box of crayons. You can rest comfortable knowing that crayons are non-toxic, so it’s fine if they mouth a few. Let your child draw lines and doodle on the paper as they name the hues and generate amusing artwork.
Some dry shaped pasta should be boiled before a few handfuls of the cooled noodles are spread out on your baby’s highchair tray. As they slide around their tray, counting the colorful shapes will help them practice their pincer grasp.
Playing with bubbles is a whole new level of enjoyable now that your child is a little more mobile. Help them feel the physical thrill of popping those shimmering orbs by showing them how to purse their lips and blow air through the wand. Can they walk over that large bubble while maintaining their balance?
Your child will find it even simpler (and more enjoyable!) to lift flaps or turn pages of a board book now that they are using their pincer grasp. Once you’ve asked them if they can locate the ball or where the bear is hiding, watch for their utter excitement when they do.
Now that your child is learning more about shapes, colors, and hand-eye coordination, wooden puzzles can be incredibly enjoyable for small hands. Encourage them as they complete all the empty spaces by helping them reassemble the pieces, rotating them if required.Playful songs that pair music with gestures like “Pat-a-Cake” and “Open, Shut Them” help your tot take an active role in music and movement—and help them add more gesture skills to their growing library. Set up a playlist for a morning sing-along session.
