Wordless Wednesday

Infant Stimulation Activity: roll a ball down

This is a fun variation for rolling a ball with your baby. Set her up in front of a board (or other incline) and let her watch as the ball rolls down the ramp. Once she has seen this a few times help her hold the ball at the top of the ramp and allow her to let it go.

If it seems time for a change, alter her position so she is sitting at the bottom of the incline. This way she can view the different perspectives - the ball rolling away from her then the ball coming toward her.

Be sure to smile and clap and show how much fun you are having.

Infant Stimulation Activity: balance ball

Balance balls can be a great tool for playing with your baby. Have your baby lay on top of the ball on his back so he can see you. Roll the ball gently and be sure you are smiling and showing him what a great time this is.

Eventually place your baby face down on the top of the balance ball and roll the ball gently back and forth. Once your baby is able to sit you can place him in a sitting position on top of the balance ball while you bounce it or roll it back and forth.

It is fun to put this activity together with a song such as Rock-a-Bye Baby or Row Row Row Your Boat – and roll the ball to the beat of the song.

Infant Stimulation Activity: swinging (outside)

Spring is springing, so if your local park has baby swings get over there as soon as the weather permits and, of course, when your baby is able to hold her head up. The fist time swinging outside is a wonderful milestone. Bring your camera; bring the camcorder.

Get your baby comfortable in the swing and allow her to get accustomed to it, and then begin slowly swinging her back and forth. Tell her “You’re swinging. Back and forth. Back and forth.” Wait for her reaction and be sure she is enjoying it. The excited sound of your voice will help.

Your baby is not only enjoying the motion, but is also feeling the sensation of a breeze on her face as well as the fresh scents of spring. Mention the breeze, “Do you feel the breeze?” and touch her cheek. Ask if she smells the fresh air, and then show her how to sniff. This might also be her first time to see a number of other children interacting. There is a lot going on, so be sure to watch for signs of over stimulation (cranky, crying, generally not enjoying what you are doing).

When you are finished swinging, give her a big hug and tell her how proud you are of her.

Wordless Wednesday

Two 2-inch triangles point to point, yes, this looks like a bowtie and is a featured design on a Babysmartees t-shirt. This is a preferred shape to offer your infant at 5 to 6 months for visual stimulation - to learn to focus and concentrate. It may seem like a simple shape to you, but it is complex for your infant. Think about an infant looking at the widest parts of the shape, then continuing to focus and concentrate on the way the shape begins to narrow. THAT is infant visual stimulation - offering your baby a visual that promotes focus and concentration.

Infant Stimulation Activity: sounds of speech

Do not be surprised when around 4 months your baby begins mumbling. He is starting to interact with you! He wants to be sociable; he wants to be a part of your world! This is the time to start reinforcing the sounds of speech. You can say and repeat different sounds - especially if you find yourself saying a silly word. Or sing! How about the ABC's! Or the Banana Boat song (you know, "Daaay-O"). How about Baa Baa Black Sheep or Old MacDonald (with all those animal sounds!)

Smile, sing, teach your baby the sounds of his language!