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Baby and Toddler Games

The first contact babies make with the world is through their hands and mouths. They begin by exploring items they can touch and move, and later by reaching to bring objects closer. Exploration of the physical reality of objects continues when they become toddlers, but now they begin to connect the toys in their hands with real items in the world around them. Play is how they learn and how they practice for the real world. Finding games and toys that promote physical, emotional and intellectual growth is critical.

0 to 12 Months
- Activities stressing hand-eye coordination are a good idea for infants.
  
  Babies in their first year are developing hand-eye coordination, so play with a rattle in such a way as to make the baby hunt for it (behind her head, for example). This also helps the baby to work on turning her head, reaching for and grasping items. Singing to infants and reading to them, especially from books with many bright pictures, is another way to engage the child. These games build trust, communication skills and focus, both visually and in terms of attention.
12 to 16 Months
- Clapping games introduce the idea of rhythm.
  
  Activities for 12- to 16-month-olds go hand-in-hand with a baby's physical and intellectual progression. One game for children who are beginning to pull up on objects and furniture to stand and walk involves using a lightweight, height-appropriate object, such as a basket full of plush toys or a plastic child's chair. Hold the object you have chosen steady to allow the child to maintain balance while pulling up. Then gently and slowly begin pulling the object toward yourself. This will encourage the child to take steps in your direction, following the item. Over time, he should begin to push it on his own, which builds confidence. Another activity involves helping the child to clap or having him hold your hands as you model the behavior. Use music or sing songs as you play with the child to introduce the idea of clapping in rhythm. This also improves communication skills.
16 to 20 Months
- Toddlers love buckets at the beach.
  
  Babies 16 to 20 months enjoy putting things in containers and then emptying them. Take your toddler out on a "collector's walk." Allow the child to carry a bucket and fill it with small objects of interest that you encounter along the way, such as pinecones, rocks or flowers. If you are at the beach, the child can collect shells or fill the bucket with sand. If the child decides to dump one collection to start another, allow her to do so. This encourages development of hand-eye coordination.
20 to 24 Months
- Playing with a balloon will help a toddler to develop hand-eye coordination.
  
  Balloons are a flexible source of entertainment for toddlers. They float slowly and can come in large sizes, so the child can easily catch them. They have no sharp edges and are not heavy, so they are safe to catch, and the bright colors will encourage the child to focus on their movement. Playing catch with balloons is another way to use them, as is batting a balloon back and forth, volleyball style. These things encourage hand-eye coordination. A somewhat less lively activity involves lying on a blanket outdoors with the child. Direct the child to close his eyes. Ask him to listen carefully and tell you what he hears, or count the number of different sounds. This encourages listening skills and simple counting.

Kids Games