Shake, Rattle and Roll!
Prep: 1 Minute / Activity Time: 1-2 Minutes
You can foster the development of your baby’s hand grasp by placing an infant rattle or soft toy in the palm of her hand and letting her close her fingers around the object.
At-Home Activities for Birth to 5 Months
Infant Talk
Prep: None / Activity Time: Frequent 2-3 second intervals
As adults, we speak differently to infants than we do to older children. By talking to your infant using these speech features and creating opportunities for social interaction, your infant will be well on his way to developing language.
Your Beautiful Eyes
Prep: None / Activity Time: 15 Minutes
During their first few months of life, infants are learning how to maintain attention and organize their eye gaze for longer periods of time. You can help your baby with this important developmental phase by establishing and maintaining eye contact with her during pleasurable activities.
Face-To-Face Time!
Prep: None / Activity Time: 2-3 Minutes
Spend time with your infant face-to-face. This helps to teach him that people close to him take pleasure in his communication attempts.
Give Me Space
Prep: None / Activity Time: 5 Minutes
Spending time on a blanket on the floor gives your baby more freedom to move her arms, legs and body. As much as possible, keep your infant in the least restrictive space when awake.
Never too Young for Books!
Prep: None / Activity Time: 3-5 Minutes
It’s a good idea to start exposing infants to books. However, at this age, most things end up in a baby’s mouth. That’s why cloth and soft vinyl books are good for this age range
Floor Time, Explore Time
Prep: None / Activity Time: 3-5 Minutes
During these early months, your infant is becoming more aware of herself and of her body. Provide many safe opportunities for movement and exploration.
Magical Sounds of Language
Prep: 5 Minutes / Activity Time: 5-10 Minutes
Before infants are ready to say their first word, they listen very carefully to the speech sounds spoken to them. The development of this skill is an important foundation for learning words a little later.
Flashlight Fun!
Prep: None / Activity Time: 3-5 Minutes
Infants respond to high-contrast patterns (e.g., black on white). The youngest babies see shapes by looking to see where light and dark lines meet. This simple game will help your little one focus on a shape with his eyes.
My Baby’s First Conversations!
Prep: None / Activity Time: 3-5 Minutes
As a newborn, your infant’s communication consists mainly of cries and burps! However, it is not long before he starts making noises and sounds that are close to the sounds you make as you talk (coos and oohs). As you react to these sounds your infant makes, you will have your first “conversations” with your little one.
HOW You Read to a Child Is Important
What's On My Head?
White on Black
The DOs and DON’Ts of Developing Your Young Child’s Pre-Reading Skills
Top 10 Things You Can Give Your Child to Build Pre-Reading Skills
Baby’s My First ABC Cloth Book – Black, White, Red
