FUN TIMES

Enjoy bonding with your little one by playing a simple game or two—these pastimes are also a great learning experience for baby

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During the first six months, parents and trusted subs are the centre of the baby’s universe. While this remains true during all stages of development, from 6 to 12 months baby develops the skills to extend his world of interest.

Two important skills form the next steps up the ladder of infant development: progressing from sitting to crawling and learning to pick up objects with thumb and forefinger. By 6 or 7 months, most babies can sit unsupported. Since he no longer needs his arms to prop himself up, he’s able to use them more fully for socializing and play.

Here are some fun games that daddies can play with their little one. These are not only entertaining (for both of you) but also offer baby a learning experience.

6 TO 9 MONTHS

Block it out Sit baby in a high chair and put two blocks in front of him. After he’s engrossed, with a block in each hand, place a third block in front of him. Watch the decisive look on his face as he figures out how to get the third block.

Next, put the blocks on a place mat just beyond his reach. After lunging toward the blocks and realising they’re out of his grasp, he may pull the placemat toward himself and voilà! The blocks come, too. This may be baby’s first experience in learning how to use one object to get another.

Now play the pounce-on-the-moving block game. Put the blocks on a placemat in front of the baby. Slowly pull the placemat across his path. Watch babysit with his hands open, staring, ready to pounce on anything within his reach.