Developmental Games for Infants

Encourage your baby’s development through play. Simple activities and games will help your child begin to understand the world around her.

Cuddle and Touch

Your baby responds best to you. Make sure playtime involves cuddling, touching, hugging and interaction with you. Funny faces have entertained children for years. Grasping your finger helps develop hand and eye coordination. You don’t need to talk constantly; your baby will perfectly happy just being with you.

Independent Play

Make sure your baby also has time for playing alone. Too much cuddling and touching can result in dependence on you for entertainment. Always stay with your baby, but allow him time to learn on his own.

Play in the Bathtub

Bath time is a great opportunity for developmental play. Pouring, sprinkling and squirting can help with coordination. Playing with water can also help your child learn concepts like more and less, float and sink, and measuring.

Hands and Feet

During the first few months your baby will respond well to hand and foot games. Hold him up and slowly lower him to the ground. He’ll lift his feet up as though walking. Let your baby hold your finger and move it around, moving her arms. They love the interaction and sensation of movement.

Noise Games

Babies love to hear your voice and listening and speaking games are particularly fun. Call your baby from different directions and let her follow your voice. Make funny noises like raspberries and buzzing sounds. Repetitive singing games like Rain, Rain Go Away are also engaging for infants.