Your baby is already learning so much each day just from watching you. You’re probably not even trying, but you’ve already taught your baby loads about the world. Games are a fun way of helping your baby to develop new skills, having fun and, most importantly, filling time during the day. Here are three fun and interactive games to play with a seven month old:

1. Muffin trays

At around seven months, your baby may suddenly develop an interest in containers. All of a sudden, he’ll enjoy putting things in and taking them out again. You can exploit this new found love and create a simple game your baby will love. All you’ll need is a clean muffin tray from your kitchen and a selection of items. You can choose whatever items you like. Toy balls, dried pasta, sponges, keys, you name it, your baby will love it. Place some items inside the muffin tray and let your baby have fun moving things about. If you choose items with different smells, textures and sounds, the game becomes a sensory treat for your seven month old.

2. Repeat after me

Your beautiful little baby is starting to work on his communication skills. At around seven months old, your baby will start making some pretty unusual noises as he experiments with his vocal chords. You can help him to work on his language development by chattering back to him. All you need for this game is yourself and your baby. Sit in front of your baby and repeat any gurgling noises back at him. Copy the intonation, length and sound of his chatter. You will probably find that he chatters straight back and you end up in a nonsensical conversation for a good few minutes. This game will provide plenty of entertainment and you can sleep soundly (as if) knowing that it’s also helping him to develop his language skills.

3. Where is it hiding?

Your baby now understands object permanence. He knows that something still exists, even when he can no longer see it. Your baby has probably been enjoying peekaboo for quite a while, squealing with delight whenever you reappear from behind your hands. This game builds on those same concepts, allowing baby to try and find the object for himself. Take one of your baby’s favorite toys and hide it either behind your back or under a blanket, then ask your baby where it’s hiding. Your baby should try to find the toy for you, if he’s mobile, he may even crawl behind you to retrieve it.

What games does your seven month old love to play?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

If you sometimes find yourself worrying whether your baby is bored, you’re not alone. Most parents worry about this at some time or another. Parents worry that they aren’t offering enough stimulation to keep their baby interested throughout the day. After all, not many parents can keep the jazz hands act up all day long. You may worry that your baby is getting bored while you’re busy sorting out the laundry. After all, laundry isn’t very exciting, is it?

Well, no. Not to you, because you’ve done laundry hundreds of time. But laundry is actually pretty exciting to a baby. There are new smells, colors, textures and shapes to be observed. If you’re singing or talking while you do it, he’s enjoying that side of it as well. Pretty much any mundane task can be interesting for your baby if you chat away whilst you do it. Laundry is a great example because you can chat about the colors, shapes and owners of each item of clothing you come across.

Is my baby bored?

It’s highly unlikely that your baby is bored. Babies don’t need expensive activities or flashing toys. The most exciting thing in your baby’s world is you. He loves listening to your voice, watching you interact with people and seeing the things you do. Simply put, he’s fascinated by you. If you’re engaging with him, chatting to him and touching him, he’s unlikely to be bored.

Babies who lack interaction can get bored, so be sure to interact with your baby throughout the day. It can sometimes be tricky thinking of things to say, especially when you’re home alone with a baby. Reading books is a great way to keep talking without having to think of anything interesting to say. You can also go for walks and point out the sights you see along the way. Sing songs, play games and make sure you spend plenty of time enjoying your baby.

What things do you do to pass the time when it’s just you and the baby at home?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Playing games with your baby is a lovely way to pass the time. You’ll get to enjoy the smiles and squeals of delight as your baby has fun interacting with you, and your baby will love having some focused one-to-one time you with. Games can also help to develop social, emotional and developmental skills. Here are five fun games to play with your baby:

1. Peekaboo

This classic game is sure to be a hit with your baby. Use a thin blanket to cover up a toy and then pretend you don’t know where it’s gone. Pull away the blanket to reveal the toy beneath and shout ‘peekaboo!’. As your baby gets the hang of the game, you can start hiding yourself behind the blanket. Your baby will have fun whilst learning about object permanence.

2. Obstacle course

When your baby is mobile, an obstacle course is a good game to help develop coordination and motor skills. Place objects around the room that your baby must crawl through, walk around or climb over. Don’t make it too complicated to begin with, but you can add additional objects as your baby masters the course.

3. Hide and seek

Help to develop your baby’s problem-solving technique and make the most of his natural curiosity with a quick game of hide and seek. Use a musical toy and hide it under a blanket, then help your baby to find it. He’ll soon work out that it’s easy to find by simply following the sound. Start off easy but be sure to make the game more difficult as your baby gets the hang of it.

4. Body parts

Naming the body parts will help your baby to learn these essential words and develop a greater understanding of his own body. Point out and name the body parts on yourself and your baby. After a while, your baby should be able to point at the right body parts when asked. As your baby’s language skills develop, he may even attempt joining in with the naming.

5. Sensory fun

Babies use all of their senses to learn about the world around them. They explore the taste, touch, smell, look and sound of the things they come into contact with throughout the day. Sensory play is play which encourages babies to use all of these senses, heightening their learning experience. Find a clean muffin tray and turn it into a sensory play station by adding different objects to the different holes. Make sure you have a few objects that will encourage your baby to use each of his different senses.

What games do you enjoy playing with your baby?

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Playing with your baby is one of the best ways to spend time together. The games you play are not only fun for your baby; they can also promote social, cognitive and physical development.

If you’re wondering what types of toys and games are best, you have a wide variety to choose from. From simple toys to everyday items, there are opportunities for play all around you.

Keep in mind, you may want to consider your baby’s age and developmental stage when picking toys and games. For example, toys that encourage your baby to track objects and help with head and neck control are good for babies under three months. Consider playing with hand puppets or putting your baby on an activity mat on the floor.

When your baby gets a little older, toys and games that help her develop motor skills are great choices. Get down on the floor and play with your baby using soft blocks, stacking rings or just rolling a ball back and forth. All these activities help your baby develop balance, coordination and grasping skills.

Activity boards are also a fun toy for your little one. With lots of objects to twist and turn and different textures to explore, it helps your baby learn more about her world through touch.

Toys that encourage her imagination are always a good idea. For example, give your baby toy versions of everyday items, such as cell phones, tools and kitchen utensils and let her copy your actions.

Silly games and songs, such as peek-a-boo and itsy bitsy spider, are fun for your baby and also promote social skills. Reading is also a great way to play with your baby. Touch and feel books, along with pop-up books are great for babies of all ages.

An easy play option is taking out sealed containers and letting your baby stack objects or figure out which containers fit inside each other. This game helps with motor skills and also cognitive development.

To make the most of playtime, it’s best to do it when your baby is well fed and rested. If your baby starts crying, turning away or rubbing his eyes, he may be giving you a hint, he has had enough playing for now.

Remember, babies love to interact and explore. Babies are also often easily entertained. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on all types of toys. Babies enjoy interaction, so the specific games you play are not as important as just getting down on the floor and having fun together.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro@writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.