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7 fun games to play with your baby

Playing with your baby can be pure fun. It's likely to make both of you giggle in delight. 

But that's just one of playtime's perks. Your one-on-one attention nurtures your baby's self-esteem. Plus, play is crucial for your baby's development-it boosts social, language, thinking and motor skills. 

Here are seven games to entertain and engage your baby as they grow:

1. Mirror magic.

Hold your playmate in front of a mirror. Point to parts of baby's precious person-saying, "eye," "ear" and "nose," for instance. Now step out of view and ask, "Where did you go?" Then step back, and in your most surprised voice, say, "There you are!" 

What's in the fun: This game builds language skills and body awareness—and it helps babies understand they're separate from other people. 

2. Texture time.

Gather textured objects from around your home, like things that are soft, hard, scratchy or squishy. Gently bring baby's hands to each object to explore their differences. 

What's in the fun: This quiet game helps enhance your baby's sense of touch. 

3. Flashlight fun. 

In a dark room, slowly move a flashlight beam across the ceiling or wall. As your baby gets older, they're sure to start doing the maneuvering. 

What's in the fun: This game helps your baby's developing vision and ability to track objects. 

4. Roll play.

Is your baby scooting forward or crawling? If so, roll a soft ball or another alluring toy a few feet away. Then encourage baby to chase it-you could even add excitement by crawling after it too. 

What's in the fun: This game motivates your baby to progress physically—and become a champion crawler. 

5. Tip the bucket.

Grab small, easy-to-grasp blocks. As baby watches, drop them into a bucket or basket one by one. Then, dump them out and start again. Your little audience might soon want in on the action too. 

What's in the fun: This game helps your baby understand cause and effect, and promotes motor skills. 

6. So BIG! 

While holding your baby on your lap, ask "How big is ___," filling in your baby's name. Then lift your baby's arms in the air and answer, drawing out your response: "Sooooo big!" 

What's in the fun: This timeless game not only encourages physical action but also imitation, which is one way babies learn.  

7. Peek-a-boo—another classic 

You know the routine! 

What's in the fun: This game will delight your wee one—no matter how many times you play. By throwing in things like "hi" and "bye-bye" you can help them learn new words. 

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; Zero to Three

Reviewed 1/16/2024