Play with Baby Day

At birth, a baby's five senses are working, and before you know it, your young child is off to explore using all of those senses. As your baby grows, she becomes more curious—and that curiosity is never satisfied. She throws herself into the business of learning. Through her observations and experiences, she learns about her world. This learning is called play.

From dawn to dusk, there are learning experiences through play that will help your baby develop physically and mentally. Get started on a learning journey with these enjoyable and entertaining activities as you go through your days with baby.

Morning

Morning is a wonderful time of the day. Make it special as you sing this song to your baby about everyone in your household, including the family pets. As your baby hears you sing, he will begin to understand that singing is another way to use his voice and in time he will learn the words you sing through repetition. Sing this traditional song to the tune of "Happy Birthday."

Good morning to you,
Good morning to you,
Good morning dear sister,
Good morning to you!

Repeat this song, singing to all members of your family. Include grandparents and the family pets—and don't forget to sing to your baby, too!

At breakfast, you and your baby can play the "Cereal Game" at his high chair. This simple game teaches valuable skills such as finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. Show your little one how to put a piece of breakfast cereal into a plastic bottle. Encourage him to dump it out, then put it back. Invite your child to hold the bottle and to try to get the cereal out. If this is too hard for him, use a paper cup instead. Let him eat the cereal if he wishes, then put another piece of cereal in the bottle or cup, and try the game again.

Your little one will spend a lot of time in his high chair or at the table; enjoy some of this time together as you and your baby play a fun finger tapping game. Start your own fingers tapping on the table in front of you. Encourage your baby to imitate you. Develop great tapping rhythms. Tap slowly; tap fast; tap one hand, then two; tap raising your hands high; tap with just one finger. Be creative and watch your child catch on to your game.