Butterfly Kiss A butterfly fluttered by and gave a little kiss just like this. (Kiss your baby!)
Grasshopper Girl (Bounce your baby on your lap) She's a grasshopper and we can't stop her! Up from the grass she pops! Then hop, hop-hop, hop-hops!
Hug! Who wants a hug? Teddy Bear? Do you? Yes please! Hug me, do! (Hug your child's teddy bear).
I think everyone likes a hug From a long-armed octopus To a tiny bug.
Hugs feel good, It's really true. Are you ready baby? This hug's for you!
| Get to Know Your Baby Give your baby a small object, such as a block. Then offer him another. What does he do? Does he move the first block from one hand to the other? Does he have a preferred hand (right- or left-handed)? Does he hold both blocks?
Magic Carpet Ride Pull your baby through the room or down the hall in your home while he sits on a thick, comfortable blanket. Make zig-zags and circles, but be extra careful. You might let your baby's favorite teddy come along for a ride.
Blowing Air Make a game out of blowing air and clicking your tongue. If your baby is seven months or older she will probably try to imitate you.
| Silly Hats Enjoy some silly dress-up time with your baby. Pull out big hats and baby sunglasses for him to play with while sitting in front of a mirror. Pull out your camera and help him learn to pose for pictures. Say "cheese!"
| Face to Face Interaction:
Attach a small soft toy to a brightly colored ribbon hung around your neck. Hold your child facing you. When she reaches out to try and touch or grab the toy, give her lots of praise. Squeaky toys will also entice your baby to reach and grab, and help her practice her hand-eye coordination.
Chatterbox Have a conversation together! Your baby loves interacting with you and as she becomes more vocal, responding to her coos, gurgles and grunts will also help encourage her language development. Sit her facing you and when she says 'aahh' say 'aaah' in return. Encourage her to mimic you, too. Try, for example, stretching the sounds out: instead of 'bah' say 'baaaaaah'. Or even add a new sound to a familiar one: 'ooh-baaaah.'
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