Games Babies Play

I Can Move to Keep Things in Sight: An Eyes and Body Game

Purpose of the game: To teach your baby to use his body and lift his head and part of his upper body when watching a moving object.

How to play: Put your baby on his stomach and sit facing him. Use a ring of keys or a toy that makes noises. Dangle the noisemaking object in front of your baby’s face and say, “Look at the keys.” Raise the object slowly in the air to encourage him to lift his head and push up with his hands. Say something such as, “Follow the keys” or “Keep your eyes on the keys.” Watch your baby and see if he can lift his chest off the floor.

Another Eyes and Body Game

Move objects slowly behind your baby’s head. See if she will move around to find the object.

Encourage your baby to use both eyes and both sides of her body when she is playing. For example, if you give her a toy for her right hand, try giving it to her in her left hand the next time.

A Special Word for Fathers

Dads make a definite difference! They love, guide, teach, and nurture their babies. Some fathers are the main caretakers for their children.

How much should fathers be involved with their babies? As much as they can. Children with dads who regularly get involved in physical play are more likely to be socially popular with their peers than school-age children whose fathers do not engage in this type of play.

Fathers play an important role in helping give children a kick start to fitness. Dads and moms both can be good role models for exercising and keeping their bodies in good shape.

You can help set the foundation for healthy weight by helping your baby learn to eat the right amount (just the amount your baby wants) of healthy foods and learn to enjoy moving his body and keeping active.