Playing with your baby can be pure fun. It's likely to make both of you giggle in delight.&nbsp;
But that's just one of playtime's perks. Your one-on-one attention nurtures your baby's self-esteem. Plus, play is crucial for your baby's development&mdash;it boosts social, language, thinking and motor skills.&nbsp;
Here are seven games to entertain and engage your baby as they grow:
1. Mirror magic.
Hold your playmate in front of a mirror. Point to parts of baby's precious person&mdash;saying, "eye," "ear" and "nose," for instance. Now step out of view and ask, "Where did you go?" Then step back, and in your most surprised voice, say, "There you are!"&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This game builds language skills and body awareness&mdash;and it helps babies understand they're separate from other people.&nbsp;
2. Texture time.
Gather textured objects from around your home, like things that are soft, hard, scratchy or squishy. Gently bring baby's hands to each object to explore their differences.&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This quiet game helps enhance your baby's sense of touch.&nbsp;
3. Flashlight fun.&nbsp;
In a dark room, slowly move a flashlight beam across the ceiling or wall. As your baby gets older, they're sure to start doing the maneuvering.&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This game helps your baby's developing vision and ability to track objects.&nbsp;
4. Roll play.
Is your baby scooting forward or crawling? If so, roll a soft ball or another alluring toy a few feet away. Then encourage baby to chase it&mdash;you could even add excitement by crawling after it too.&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This game motivates your baby to progress physically&mdash;and become a champion crawler.&nbsp;
5. Tip the bucket.
Grab small, easy-to-grasp blocks. As baby watches, drop them into a bucket or basket one by one. Then, dump them out and start again. Your little audience might soon want in on the action too.&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This game helps your baby understand cause and effect, and promotes motor skills.&nbsp;
6. So BIG!&nbsp;
While holding your baby on your lap, ask "How big is ___," filling in your baby's name. Then lift your baby's arms in the air and answer, drawing out your response: "Sooooo big!"&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This timeless game not only encourages physical action but also imitation, which is one way babies learn.&nbsp;&nbsp;
7. Peek-a-boo&mdash;another classic&nbsp;
You know the routine!&nbsp;
What's in the fun: This game will delight your wee one&mdash;no matter how many times you play. By throwing in things like "hi" and "bye-bye" you can help them learn new words.&nbsp;
Sources: <a href="https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">American Academy of Pediatrics</a>; <a href="https://www.zerotothree.org/" target="_blank">Zero to Three</a>
Reviewed 1/25/2023

7 fun games to play with your baby