Your baby playtime guide – 15 brilliant games to play
Playtime is a great way to bond with your baby, and it also helps your little one learn about the world. To get you started, we've got some great ideas for baby games, from birth until 12 months ...
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Even as a newborn, your baby will respond to opportunities to 'play' with you, so it's never too early to start!
And don't worry if you're not sure how to enjoy playtime together. Let your baby lead the way and soon you’ll be having as much fun as her!
Playtime with your 0- to 3-month-old
From birth to three months old, your baby is BUSY.
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They're learning lots of new skills, as hearing and vision improve, and you’ll even see a first smile.
All of which means playtime is a great way to help your baby reach their developmental milestones.
However, do remember when you’re charting your own little one’s ‘milestone’ progress that all babies develop at different rates.
Here are some great ways to play with your 0- to 3-month-old.
Sensory play
Newborns love to be touched, so include tickling, massage and toe-counting in your playtimes.
They won't be that interested in toys when they're very little, but a colourful mobile above their crib will provide visual stimulation.
Baby mirroring play
Make eye contact with your baby. Smile and pull faces, poke out your tongue and a blow a raspberry. If they’re in the right mood, they’ll find it hugely amusing and will try to copy you.
Singing games
It's never too early to start talking to your baby. And singing is a great way to entertain your little one - she loves the sound of your voice. Either sing some lullabies or play tunes from a musical book.
Motor skills games
Clap your baby's hands together as you play music. And as she reaches two months old, start lying her on her tummy for a minute or two at a time to help strengthen her back and neck muscles.
Just remember that it's important to find the right time to play with your baby. She's not going to want to be tickled if she's hungry or overstimulated.
And watch out for signs your baby is starting to get tired.
Playtime with your 4- to 6-month-old
Between four and six months, your baby's getting stronger and is probably showing off their new-found skills of rolling over.
They might also be able to start sitting up if well supported. Which means they’ll be viewing the world from a whole new angle.
To help them develop these skills, here are some great ideas for baby games, from four to six months.
Sensory games
Now that their grabbing and grasping skills are coming on, your baby will start to be fascinated by what's around them.
They’ll want to explore toys that are brightly coloured, noisy or have a mirror – they’ll love to see their own reflection. Place toys just out of reach to encourage them to roll over.
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Bathtime play
Bathtime is a great opportunity to play. Try blowing bubbles and splashing bath toys in the water – your baby will be mesmerised. Just make sure they're always firmly supported in the bath, and never leave them unsupervised.
For even more fun, wrap them up in a cosy towel afterwards and blow raspberries on their tummies.
Tummy time
It’s important to continue with tummy time to help your baby develop their muscles. These will then help with their next developmental phase – crawling. And dangle a toy above them to encourage them to look up and strengthen those muscles even more.
Playtime with your 7- to 9-month-old
Wow, your baby has got a LOT going on!
Not only are they now on solid foods, they've also perfected sitting up, rolling, and might even be crawling. Check out these games that help encourage them to meet all their developmental milestones.
Building towers
Boost your baby’s fine motor skills – including the smaller movements of the fingers and hands – by giving them stacking toys.
You can also give them ordinary household items to build into a tower, such as empty cereal boxes. Just be aware that once they can pick up small items, they can put them in their mouth, so make sure there are no small items lying around.
Action games
They’ll love action rhymes, songs or games like Incy-Wincy Spider, Round and Round the Garden or Pat-a-Cake.
And they’ll gain lots more than just fun from playing these games – they’ll also help boost their language and understanding.
Tasting games
Encourage your baby to be open to new flavours. Let her smell different foods - a piece of ginger, crushed garlic, mixed herbs - and clap your hands each time to show you're pleased.
Just make sure she doesn't put anything in her mouth. By smelling new scents, she'll hopefully be open to trying new foods at mealtimes.
Movement games
Place toys out of your baby's reach and encourage her to move towards them - either by rolling, crawling or bum shuffling. A patterned playmat is also great for stimulating your baby while she's on the floor.
Playtime with your 10- to 12-month-old
It's probably hard to believe your baby is approaching their first birthday!
They’re probably crawling, babbling, and might even be about to take their first steps. Here are some great games to help them with their development.
Peek-a-boo
Your baby will adore a game of ‘peek-a-boo’. Pop out from behind the sofa, or just pull your hands over your eyes and then lift them away with a big smile!
Or try ‘Where’s Teddy?’, hiding their favourite toy under a cushion or blanket, before whipping it away to reveal all.
Physical play
If your baby's starting to walk, they’ll love a toy they can push along that helps with balance. And if they’re still crawling, make them laugh by sitting them on a rocking toy. Just make sure you hold them, so they don’t fall off.
Shape-sorting games
Help your baby with fine motor skills by encouraging them to sort items depending on size and shape. They’ll love a shape-sorter toy. Sit with them on the carpet so they can show off their new talents.
Messy play
Babies LOVE getting messy.
If it's a warm day, why don't you both sit outside with some plastic cups and a large bowl or sandpit full of water - and let them get splashing. Just remember to never leave them unsupervised with any amount of water.
And although it's early days for craft activities, it's not long before they’ll be ready for Play Doh, finger paints and crayons. Again, when you introduce these, make sure your baby doesn't put them in their mouth and never leave them unsupervised.
Story time
Your little one will love hearing you read out loud, too. Check out these best board books for babies and best books for one year olds.
