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Chapter 5: Activities for the young baby

To help your baby become aware of her hands and legs, and to use her hands to hold objects

When feeding your baby, gently push upward on your baby's arm so that she puts her hand on your breast. This helps her get ready to hold objects. Feeding is also a good time to talk or sing to your baby.

Try tying a toy that makes noise like a small bell, seed pod, or bracelet - on her wrist or ankle. She will try to find the sound with her other hand and play with it.

Put your baby on her side with a cloth behind her back for support. She will naturally bring her hands together to play.

Remember, since small objects can choke a baby, you should stop her if she tries to put small toys or objects all the way into her mouth.

Give her things to hold that will feel different from each other when she touches them, like a piece of smooth, silky cloth and a rough cloth. You can also encourage her to pull on objects like a strong string of beads or a knotted cord. If you pull back slightly, she may pull harder.

Be careful she does not choke on the beads or swallow them.

Try giving her a gentle massage all over, using vegetable oil, lotion, or just your hands. Start with her chest and move outward to her hands. Then move back to her bottom and down her legs.

After she gets used to your massage, try using cloths with different textures to gently rub her body. Afterward, encourage her to touch different parts of her body – for example, to touch her hand to her legs.

Touch her hands and feet when you play together. Pat them or blow lightly on them and name them.

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