Baby Activities: Bonding Playtime Ideas For Your 4-6-Month-Old
Follow these five ideas to fit fun games into your baby’s routine that will help with their development too.
Between four and six months is a special time for your baby when you’ll start to notice lots of changes. They’ll become more social, interacting with those around them, so it’s great that you’ll be at home together to catch it all!
It’s not just your bub’s personality that’s developing either. As they start to build strength in the neck and body, they might be able to sit up—maybe with a little help from you. This is great practice for head and neck control, which they’ll need when they begin to eat. Your little one might start to grab things too (watch out for hair and jewellery!).
Happy playtime
You can support these developments through fun playtime. One-to-one activities are a much better way of engaging your baby.
1. The game: Mirror, mirror
What you need: A mirror large enough to show both your reflection and your baby’s.
What to do: Make them wave at baby and mum. Then make them “find” baby and mum by patting your reflections in the mirror. Silly faces are encouraged!
What your baby is learning: Although your baby may not recognise themselves in the mirror, they can respond to the smiling faces and be fascinated by images.
2. The game: Little water baby
What you need: A soft, safe surface.
What to do: Place your baby on their tummy (either on a surface, or on your tummy or arm) and encourage them to kick their arms and legs at the same time, like they are swimming.
What your baby is learning: Important motor skills they’ll need when they starts crawling.
3. The game: Peekaboo!
What you need: Just yourself!
What to do: A baby-game classic. Simply hide your face behind your hands—and let your baby squirm, kick, and laugh with excitement as you open your hands again with a “peekaboo!”
What your baby is learning: The idea that things they can’t see still exist!
4. The game: Peekaboo Too!
What you need: A few of your baby’s favourite toys, and a blanket.
What to do: Hide a toy under a blanket, then lift the blanket to reveal it with a big “peekaboo!” After a little while, let your baby look for and find the toys herself.
What your baby is learning: As above, your baby will learn that things they can’t see still exist. Feeling and touching the blanket and toys will also help them with sensory development.
5. The game: Reach and grab
What you need: A few small, safe objects, such as blocks, small stuffed animals, and plastic cups.
What to do: Offer the toys so that they have a chance to hold them. Then place the items just out of reach, so they can practice “raking” them toward themselves. Make sure you give them lots of encouragement along the way.
What your baby is learning: This will help develop the hand and finger skills they will eventually use to feed themselves.
Related articles
Emotional Development in Your Baby
Your baby is discovering their emotions from birth. Their senses develop and they form emotional bonds which will be influential factors in their ongoing development.
3 mins to read
Childcare
Whilst you are on leave, your baby gets your undivided attention and care. However, returning to work may require you to make an alternative arrangement for your baby’s care.
5 mins to read
Keeping Baby Safe
Imagine the excitement of watching your baby get active. But the more active they become, the higher the chances of injury. Take measures to keep your baby safe.
10 mins to read
10 Tips for a Sound Baby Bedtime Sleep Routine
Baby sleep routines can vary enormously, giving parents many a sleepless night. Read these bedtime tips to help your baby sleep through the night.
3 mins to read
What Support is Available If I've Decided to Formula Feed
There are many parents out there just like you, who have for whatever reason, decided not to breastfeed, and given this is to be an unlikely easy decision, it’s important to know what support is th
2 mins to read
Laying a healthy foundation
Good feeding habits can last a lifetime!
2 mins to read
10 Tips For Reframing Negative Thoughts
Negative thoughts have a way of creeping in from time to time, which can make us doubt our path as parents. Read our tips to help reframe your thinking.
8 mins to read
Baby Formula Feeding Concerns
Most formula fed babies will be very happy on the baby formula you first choose. However, it’s important to know that not all formulas suit all babies.
7 mins to read
Cradle Cap
Cradle cap is a yellow crusty substance found on your baby’s scalp or eye brows that may be oily or dry to touch.
2 mins to read
Your Baby's First Foods – Starting Solids From 4 months
Australian recommendations state solid foods should be introduced at around 6 months of age, and not before 4 months.
3 mins to read
Warming Baby Formula
There may not be many situations where you will need to warm up a formula feed, but on the odd occasion when you do it’s important to know how to do it safely.
2 mins to read
Hungry or full? Nine faces of feeding
It may seem like a whole new world now that your little one is starting to eat solid foods.
4 mins to read
Special Baby Formulas
Formulas for lactose intolerance, regurgitation, and allergy management are some of the infant formulas available for formula fed babies with special dietary needs.
4 mins to read
Transitioning Between Different Milk Feeding Options
Whether you’re moving from breastfeeding to formula feeding, or changing from one formula to another, it’s important to keep your eye out for signs of intolerance.
2 mins to read
Working Mother
Taking care of a newborn baby is a full-time job which requires dedication from you and your family.
4 mins to read
Best First Foods for Infants, and What to Avoid
There will be plenty of time for occasional treats when your baby is older, however particularly in the first two years when your baby’s tastes are developing, it is important for them to stick to
5 mins to read
Baby Bottle Feeding Equipment
If you have decided to bottle feed your baby, there is some equipment which you will need. Thorough cleaning and sterilising of the feeding equipment is most important!
1 min to read
7 basic rules of safe food preparation
Follow these stay-safe principles when you’re shopping or preparing food for your baby.
4 mins to read
Comebacks to Unwanted Breastfeeding Questions
Stop those unwanted breastfeeding questions in their tracks with these useful breastfeeding comebacks.
2 mins to read
