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From about 6 months old you can start encouraging play with your baby. Even though babies are already naturally curious and playful!
There are many lovely toys on the market for this age I can recommend 3 steady favorites from my kids. Firstly board books, secondly Sophie the giraffe for teething and thirdly this activity ball.
There are also many homemade activities you can do with your little one. Take a look at these.
Craft sticks in duplo blocks keep little ones busy or she might prefer to stick them in a container like this pick up sticks game.
Exploring new craft materials such as pipe cleaners can bring many giggles.
Home made paint is another must to try, it is non toxic so tasting is just fine!
Of course you could also contain the paint in a bag and try it this way. A box with balls works just as well! hehe
Stack blocks or empty yogurt bottles to create a knock down activity, this never fails for giggles.
My little one loved exploring the toy box at this age too. I love the treasure box idea from The Imagination tree.
Other awesome resources to check out:
- Baby play section from Learn with Play at Home
- The Ultimate List of Baby Play Ideas from Fun at Home with Kids
- 25 Infant Activities from the Stay at Home Mom Survival Guide
Also check out this awesome ebook, packed FULL of ideas.
Take a look at these other playing with baby resources for your baby’s first year.
Ultimate Guide to Baby Activities ~ Lemon Lime Adventures
Sensory Play
- 30+ Baby Safe Sensory Play Ideas – B-Inspired Mama
- Textured Sensory Play Mat – It’s a Long Story
- Mirror Play for Babies – Still Playing School
- Fun and Safe Sensory Bins for Babies – The Eyes of a Boy
- Jewelry Sensory Box – Trust Me, I’m a Mom
Gross Motor
- Encouraging Sibling Play with One Awesome App – Lalymom
- Baby Play: Newborn Exercise – True Aim Education
- Combining Gross Motor & Art – Bambini Travel
- 20+ Motor Play Ideas for Baby – Pink Oatmeal
- Tummy Time Entertainment – Hand Made Kids Art
- Tummy Time: Why & How? – The Inspired Treehouse
- Baby Play: Rolling a Ball – Wildflower Ramblings
- How to Encourage Baby to Crawl– The Realistic Mama
Busy Boxes & Baskets
- Natural Spring Treasure Basket for Baby – Natural Beach Living
- Montessori-Inspired Mini Discovery Boxes for Babies – Living Montessori Now
- 5 Fun Busy Boxes for Baby – Squiggles & Bubbles
- 14 Treasure Bins for Baby – Wildflower Ramblings
Outdoor Play
- 5 Ideas for Playing Outdoors with a Baby – Barefeet on the Dashboard
Arts & Crafts for Baby
- 9 Tips for Painting with Infants – The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide
- Smart Art for Your Burgeoning Mini Monet – Conceiving Piper
Jaimi@TheStayatHomeMomSurvivalGuide says
This is a fantastic resource with many ideas I had not seen before. The craft sticks and Duplos idea is so inventive. I am excited to try these as the twins get a little older. Thanks, Nicolette, for including my list of infant activities as well!
Heidi says
The homemade paint looks like loads of fun! I love the fact that you don’t have to worry about them tasting it–especially when babies love to put things in their mouths! Thanks for sharing!
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