Then slowly lower your baby back down. Say, “Dow-w-wn you go,” or “Now Baby lies down.” Repeat until one of you tires.
Infant Stand-ups
At three months or closer to four months, lay your baby against a pillow facing you or sitting on your lap. Firmly grasp his or her hands and begin counting. Let your baby know what’s coming so he or she can anticipate the excitement to come.
“Are you ready to stand up? Let’s do it! One.” (A long, drawn out count to build excitement.) “Two.” (Begin to increase the tension.) “Three!” On the count of three, slowly pull the baby to a standing position. Keep a steady patter of conversation going to lend enthusiasm to the exercise. By four months most babies enjoy being upright and you’ll feel your baby pushing down on you when the little one stands.
BATHTUB TIME-OUT
Treat yourself to a soothing bath with your baby, making bath time a cozy, relaxing playtime instead of a chore. (Put the answering machine on first.) Be sure the room is warm—heat it, if necessary, by running the shower on hot for a few minutes before or when filling the tub. Keep two large towels nearby. Put one on the rug outside the tub to place your baby on momentarily when lifting him or her in and out.
As you enjoy the water together, sing to your baby. Sing your favorite pop tunes or Sinatra classics. Music creates intimacy and connectedness.
Even in the bathtub, you can rock your baby in your arms as you sing or hum. Or you can nestle your infant on your legs or your lap—and move with the music the two of you are making together.
Keep both of you submerged in the warm bath water as much as possible because the air always feels cool to a wet baby. Or consider keeping your baby wrapped in a light cotton diaper or light cotton blanket while in the water for that feeling of being “swaddled” that some babies prefer.
BED BOUNCING BABY
Motion is often soothing as well as entertaining for an infant. Lay your baby on your bed and gently bounce the mattress. (If using a waterbed for play, never place a baby face down or leave alone; there’s danger of entrapment and suffocation.) If your baby enjoys that, help him or her to a standing position, supporting the rib cage with your hands. Gently bounce the baby so his or her knees bend. This motion should get your baby into the swing of bouncing. Even six months from now when he or she is old enough to keep balanced, hold onto hands and encourage this routine.
Certain songs lend themselves to this type of fun such as:
You Are My Sunshine
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
You make me happy when skies are gray.
You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you,
Please don’t take my sunshine away.
Variation: Another motion game enjoyed by newborns is a “ride” atop a washing machine during the wash and spin cycle while in an infant seat. Note, however, that a baby should NEVER be left alone during this “ride.”
DANCE WITH ME, BABY
Dancing to music entertains and relaxes everyone. Babies love rhythmic movement, which becomes the basis for later walking, running, and skipping.
Turn on the music and let it move you. Ask your baby for a dance. Be it rap, rock, or melodic tunes, sweep your baby into your arms and dance away. Sing or hum the melody as you both sway to the music. After your dance, thank your partner and return your baby to a stationary location.
You can dance sitting down, too, by cradling your baby in front of you so you can look at each other while the two of you sway to the music.
Dance Little Baby
Dance, little baby,
Dance up high.
Never mind baby,
Mother (Father) is by.
Up to the ceiling,
Down to the ground.
Backward and forward,
Round and round.
EXERCYLE
Babies love to have their arms and legs moved for them, especially before they gain control of their own movements. A good workout helps your baby develop muscles and learn how to use them joyfully. And exercise helps everyone sleep better!
Hold the baby’s feet and gently guide them in a cycling motion. You need only to remind a baby as this is a natural exercise. Once you’ve helped a baby “get in gear,” your little one will try to carry on the game without help as he or she matures.
One appropriate song for this excercise is:
Row Your Boat
Row, row, row your boat
Gently down the stream.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily,
Life is but a dream.
Variation: To help a baby practice kicking, hold a toy or cradle gym within range of the feet so contact can be made.
FINGER GAMES
Finger plays, with their recognizable patterns, quickly become favorites with your baby.
Here Comes Mousie
Running your fingers up the baby’s leg, across the tummy, and into the neck area, combines the excitement of anticipation and the tickle. Let your voice pitch rise as the “mousie” approaches. “Here comes mousie. Here she comes! She’s going to get you!”
Bumble Bee
Use your free hand as a buzzing bee while holding your baby. Make a buzzing sound as your index finger circles the air. The baby’s eyes should be following your “bee.” Build gentle suspense before landing the “bee”—with a slight tickle—on your baby. Next, take the baby’s finger and help it circle as the “bee.” Land it on your cheek. This game can continue until the “bee” tires. Or use this rhyme:
Bumble bee was in the barn (Circle finger in the air.) Carrying his dinner under his arm (Closer to the baby.) Bzzzzzzzzzzzz. . . . . . . . . . (Poke baby.)
Tickle Me
Using the word “tickle” allows your little one to anticipate playtime together.
Tickle me, tickle me, tickle me, too,
It’s fun to be tickled because I love you!
I’M GONNA GETCHA!
Place your baby on the floor in an infant seat or on a blanket. Smiling, come closer to the baby, with hands outstretched. Say softly, “Watch out, Jami. I’m gonna get you. Here I come!” Build the excitement in your voice as you approach.
Gently