Games to Play With a 6 Month Old

Game 1: Explore Baby's Body Name Game

• Lay baby down on a flat surface. A soft mat on the floor or a pillow or cushion works well. Tell baby that you are going to play a game called, "Exploring baby's body." Point to different parts of her body and tell her what they are called. Touch baby's nose and say "this is your nose, say nose."

  Continue all over baby's body. To make this exploration even more exciting, when you reach his toes this is a great time to tickle his feet. For variation you can use socks, feathers or any fuzzy material to tickle baby as you name his body parts.

Game 2: Where Did It Go?

• Grab baby's favorite toy and hide it under a blanket and ask her, "where did it go?" Reveal the toy by taking the blanket off and repeat this several times. At 6 months old a baby thinks that everything that disappears from view (even if it's under a blanket) is gone or went away. Baby's love when you reintroduce their favorite toy to them. It appears to them as if they are seeing the toy for the first time.

Game 3: Blow Bubbles

• Blowing bubbles in front of your baby encourages hand-eye coordination. He initially stares at the bubbles, but gradually goes on to try to catch them. Encourage your baby to try to pop as many bubbles as possible. At first show him how to pop the bubbles then watch as he imitates your actions. As another alternative purchase a bubble machine, but be sure not to put it directly in front of baby.