Kids
‘Close, Open’ and Other Fun Games For Babies
It may look all fun and games but in reality, these little games like ‘Close, Open’ help our babies develop and grow.
‘Close, Open’ is a game we always play with babies. We watch them clench their adorable little hands into tiny fists before opening up again to see their cute fingers. It’s a cute and heartwarming interaction between parents and their babies. But psychologically, there’s more to that. That little game of ‘Close, Open’ helps our babies develop their motor skills so they can learn how to handle more complex things when they grow. Here are other games that help babies learn.
1. Peek-A-Boo
Peek-A-Boo’s always a fun game to play with babies because they legitimately believe that once they can’t see it, it’s gone. Doing said game teaches our babies about Object Permanence. Meaning even if they can’t see it that, doesn’t mean it’s there. It’s a big step forward to develop our babies’ brains as it helps them realize that even if they don’t see you, that doesn’t mean you’re not there. It definitely saves our babies from separation anxiety and us from some ear-piercing wailing.
2. Rattle Tug
Rattles are a baby’s favorite toy because of the sound it makes. The sound made also encourages our babies to learn two new movements: gripping and shaking. Gripping is a micromotor skill to help our babies strengthen their arms and fingers which can eventually translate to them holding their bottle or sippy cup on their own. We can give our baby the rattle before lightly tugging it, helping them improve their strength.
3. Tummy Time
Skin is one of the biggest organs in the human body and allows humans to perceive things. The same thing works for babies. Babies learn through their senses and the sense of touch is one of their most advanced ones. Tummy Time lets our babies squirm around helps them perceive other things and also helps them change visual perspective. It develops their brain to see things from different angles and also learn about things using the different senses.
4. Squishy, squishy
There’s probably another name for this game but it’s called Squishy, Squishy because we have our babies squish our cheeks and vice-versa. It teaches them different textures and helps them recognize who’s who. We’ve seen a lot of videos where babies are shocked that dad has no beard or, mom does something to her face because they can’t recognize them since something has changed. It’s a cute bonding game that improves their motor skills and their facial recognition abilities.
5. Bang the Bongos
We don’t expect our babies to be excellent bongo players but the Bang the Bongos game is one way to teach babies motor skills and sounds. It’s why a lot of baby toys are miniature musical instruments or make a lot of sounds. Music encourages rhythm analysis, helping babies figure out what’s a good sound and a bad one. Another is that it teaches them other motor skills to help them interact with other toys and objects within their environment.
Games with babies are bonding and learning time for them
Babies are blank slates and learn through copying others which trigger something that’s been long ingrained in their brains. But it’s not just about helping our babies grow. It’s also having some bonding time with them. These little moments are the ones we sometimes take for granted only to find out that our babies are now toddlers. Time flies by as a parent and playing these games with our babies are the most cherished memories we’ll ever have.
Looking for more games to enjoy with babies or your kids? Here’s more!
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