4 Simple Games to Help Baby Develop

1) LEARNING COLORS: (For ages 12-15 months)

Make learning colors fun with your toddler.

First sit on the floor with your child, bounce a ball up and down. Choose either a red or blue ball. Once you have played with the first ball for a while, take out the other color and play with that one. Next, find two of the same color cups, bowls or something that will hold the balls. Take one ball out of the bowl and ask your child to place it in the matching bowl. While you are playing this game, always name the color you are referring to. If you consistently play this game it will help develop your child’s matching and color skills.

2) IF YOU’RE HAPPY AND YOU KNOW IT (For ages 15-18 months)

If you want to teach your toddler parts of the body this is a fun way to do it.

First stand facing your toddler and sing:

If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.
If you’re happy and you know it,
Then your smile will surely show it.
If you’re happy and you know it clap your hands.

You can also include other verses such as stomp your feet, touch your nose, wiggle your ears. You can add any verse you like.

3) POP THE BUBBLES (18-21 months)

This game will develop hand-eye coordination.

Play this game while your child is in the bath. Blow bubbles and teach him or her how to keep them floating by blowing underneath. Have them catch the bubble with both wet and dry hands. Try having them pop the bubble by clapping their hands together.

4) WHERE IS THE TOY? (12-24 months)

Sit on the floor with your toddler. Gather 3 containers and a small toy. While your toddler watches put the toy under one of the containers. Slowly slide the container around, change their positions while your child watches. Have your child pick up the container he/she thinks the toy is under. If you don’t think your child understands try picking up the containers not containing a toy. When you do this explain there isn’t a toy, then show him/her the container with the toy. Keep playing this game with your child until he/she understands and can play without help.

Educational baby books, games, and dvd’s are also a great way to help baby learn and develop. You can find a great selection in the learning products section of http://www.yourbabysupply.com