Peek A Boo!

Peek-a-Boo is a classic game to play with babies. Even the littlest babies can enjoy peek-a-boo. Jonathan (22 months) enjoys playing with his little sister (3 months).

Source: Flickr

Just in case you're not familiar with Peek-a-Boo- you basically cover your eyes  while your child is looking at you and then uncover them and say "Peek-a-boo!" As your child grows older, he or she can play along with you!

Variations:
One way we play is by asking "Where's Mommy? Peek-a-boo!" This gets me grins from Grace.

You can also play with a translucent scarf- cover your face with the scarf and then remove it quickly and say "Peek-a-boo!" Sometimes I use the scarf to tickle Gracie (or Jonathan).

We've recently enjoyed playing Peekaboo along to a track on the album BabyFace. You can hear a sample of the song here.

Another favorite is playing Peek-a-boo with these words:

Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo
God above...


Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo
Gives us love!


Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo
I love you!


Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo
God does, too!


From Playtime Devotions by Focus on the Family

Do you have any Peekaboo games you like to play?

Smiling Games

At eight weeks old, we' finally enjoyed Gracie's first real smile. Babies typically smile sometime in the first couple months. It's so reassuring to see your baby recognize and acknowledge you! Smiling becomes a new way for your little one to communicate with you.

The first thing you should do is smile at your baby! Smiles are reassuring to babies-- so be sure to smile at her often!

I would sing Gracie a song about smiling to encourage her (sing to Row, Row, Row Your Boat)

Smile, Smile, Smile at Me
And I will smile at you
Every time you give a smile
It always turns to two!
(words by Pam Schiller)


Another thing you can do is to gently  Tickle baby gently under chin, under belly, etc. We like to do this to the "Feather Play" song from Kimbo's Baby Games CD.

And there's always the classic Peekaboo!

Tinker Bell Socks

Sometime during the first month or so, babies begin to realize that they can make things happen! Although your little one has a short attention span and a short memory, she will begin to repeat actions that have an effect on the world around her.

One of the ways you can do this is by putting wrist/ankle rattles on your baby. You can either buy some pre-made ones or you can easily make them yourself by attaching jingle bells to socks!

Put the rattles or socks on your baby. Sit baby in an infant seat and move her hand or foot with your hand to make the rattle sound. Repeat with the other foot or hand. Play until she understands that moving her hands/feet will ring the rattles!