Silly, Brain-Boosting Games for Babies

Saying goo-goo and gaa-gaa (as most of us do to infants) sure sounds silly alright. But there are some fun games you can play with wee ones that actually stimulate their minds and help development their motor skills. Try these two games with toddlers:

Happy Feet

Choose a favorite nursery rhyme that can be played with your baby's feet and toes. Lay the baby on a soft blanket and kneel beside it so you can reach the feet.

Play "This Little Piggy"
This little piggy went to market, (wiggle the big toe)
This little piggy stayed home, (wiggle the second toe)
This little piggy had roast beef, (wiggle the third toe)
This little piggy had none, (wiggle the fourth toe)
And this little piggy cried, "Wee, wee, wee!" all the way home! (wiggle the baby toe)

Important Safety Note: Don't tickle your baby too much. As you probably know, too much tickling can be uncomfortable. Just have fun and make sure baby is having fun too.

Upsy Daisy

Lay the baby on a soft, unslippery surface, like a carpet. Sit at his or her feet, facing the baby. Place your thumbs in your baby's palms and let him or her grasp them. Once the baby grabs for your hands, wrap your fingers around the backs of her hands. Slowly pull the baby to a sitting position and say, "Upsy-Daisy" as you go. After the baby's has a moment to see your happy face, lay him or her back down and play it again!

Important Safety Note: Be sure to hold onto your baby's hands in case he or she lets go of the grasp. And be sure to move slowly so your baby doesn't get injured.