Infant Stimulation Activity 74: bicycle made for two

Daisy, Daisy,Give me your answer do!
I'm half crazy, All for the love of you!
It won't be a stylish marriage, I can't afford a carriage
But you'll look sweet upon the seat of a bicycle made for two.

You should be singing aloud as you lie your baby on his back, then gently hold his ankles and help him make a cyclying motion by bending his knees one at a time and moving his feet as if he were pedaling a bike. Remember, the motion should be easy and gentle, and never forced. If your baby is not into "riding a bike" today, then choose another activity. However, if he does like the circular motion then have a great time doing the pedaling motion and singing a fun song.

Infant Stimulation Activity 73: roll over

Lay your baby on her back. Hold the ankle and thigh of one of her legs and gently cross it over her other leg. Watch as baby rolls to the side. It is important to note that this motion should not be forced; it should happen naturally. If your baby is not ready to roll then simple do a different activity and try rolling another day.

Return your baby to her back the try the other leg and rolling toward the other direction. You can sing or say something simple such as “roll” or “(Baby’s name) is rolling.” This is great exercise for your infant and the time interacting with you is key.

Infant Stimulation Activity 72: finger grasping

Reaching for any object helps baby’s brain develop hand-eye coordination. And there is one object that even newborns enjoy grasping and that is your finger.

Allow your baby to feel your finger and take hold of it. Reward her after each grasp by saying “good girl” or “you’re so strong.” Encourage her to reach for your finger by gently stroking the inside of her hand then slightly moving your finger away. She will quickly learn to coordinate the feel, reach, and grasp.

Infant Stimulation Activity 71: kicking

Kicking develops motor skills and it is something babies love to do and can do easily! Make this interactive between you and your baby by holding up a rattle, bells, chimes, or something that will make noise when he kicks it.

Encourage him with lots of smiles and a “you kicked it!” every time he kicks the rattle or other noise maker.

Your baby’s brain will be firing away as he connects the cause and effect of his kicking an object and making a sound; he will also come to understand the cause and effect of the kicking and your smiles. But the fun the two of you are having together is the most important thing!

Infant Stimulation Activity 70: who’s afraid of the dark?

One of the reasons you should consistently show your baby that your activities are fun is that she is learning what is fun, scary, happy, or sad from you. And this holds true for all experiences such as being in the dark. Be sure to allow your baby to positively experience a dark or dimly lit room. This can be done with the shadow activity (see Infant Stimulation Activity 63) or any activity that can be just as fun in the dark.

For example, start doing something simple like rolling a ball in a lit room, then turn off the lights and continue the activity in the dark. The contrast of playing in the light then the dark will be very interesting to baby. It may also save you some strong emotions if you are ever in a power outage or someplace where the lights need to be off.

You can also play while using a flashlight to get your baby accustomed to what that looks and feels like. Again, this is not only interesting to baby, it paves the way in case you are in a situation where the flashlight is your only light source.

Infant Stimulation Activity 69: fun in the mirror

Sit in front of a full-length mirror with your baby in your lap. Ask “where is mommy’s hand?” then wave your hand. Then ask “where is (baby’s name)’s hand?” and wave her hand. Your baby will find this new perspective of you and of her very stimulating.

Time in front of the mirror is always stimulating to a baby. Adding the interaction between you and your baby makes it fun stimulation!

Infant Stimulation Activity 68: your newborn

Newborn stimulation activities are simple but important. Remember, your baby is getting to know you and has learned to find comfort from you.

While your newborn is lying in your arms or resting in her crib quietly repeat her name until you see some response. The reaction from a newborn may be as subtle as her pupils dilating or her lips moving, or as obvious as her eyes or head moving in your direction.