shake, rattle and roll

Babies between the ages of 6-15 months love to use their skills to shake things up..literally :) One of the emails I got recently gave some examples of homemade shakers...this is the one I chose to do for little man.

All you need is an empty paper towel roll or toilet paper roll, dry pasta and tape. Fill 'er up and tape both ends secure and get to shakin'!

Cause and Effect, 6 months

Cause and Effect toys are very popular at this age. Learning that "if I hit this, I see lights and a ball comes out" is so fun! The simple little toys that we mindlessly buy, sometimes, are the ones they love. I remember doing the same video, with the same toy, when Stella was this age...I can't believe I'm doing it again so soon with another little person. Happy learning!

4-8 months

Sawyer is 5 months old now and time is getting by fast! Here's some developmental "stuff" for what's going on during this time of 4-8 months.

• doubles in original birth weight



• teeth begin to appear, with upper and lower incisors coming first



• legs appear to be bowed, but usually disappears



• true eye color is established



• begins to use finger and thumb to pick up objects (called pincer grasp



• reaches for objects with both arms



• neck muscles are becoming stronger



• begins to search for toys under objects ...realizes they still exist even when they can't be seen (called object permanence)



• enjoys being held and cuddled ;)



• laughs out loud



• by six months...shows preference for main caregiver

Activities:

• use his/her name while playing



• provide objects for him/her to grab (practicing eye and hand coordination)



• play and dance to music



• offer various textures or him/her to feel



• offer bright toys to stimulate visual interest



• read, read, read...they enjoy hearing the same stories over and over

So much more is going on everyday in their little bodies...hug them tight...they won't be still too much longer! :)

What did/do you do with your 4-8 month old?

my baby love

Here's the spot Sawyer and I do a lot of talking and laughing...the changing table! Even at an early age, the distance from the baby to your face is not too far away, so they can focus on you really well.

The good thing about babies, is that they learn so much, even when you seem like you are doing nothing! Talking and singing during everyday routines allows them to hear your voice and make connections that Mommy is talking to me. Showing a response when your baby does something is the early stage of "social turn taking", something they'll be ready for in the months ahead when they really start the talking!
Reading and showing them simple pictures gives them visual stimulation.
All these simple activities show your baby you care and that you respond to his or her needs...trust.

What is your favorite game to play with your baby?