Games to Play with Your 8 to 12 Month Old

There are so many things that your baby is learning at this stage. They are curious about everything and love to explore, which can be both exciting and scary for us parents. So it is our job to keep our babies busy and interested in safe and healthy things. Here are some great activities that you can engage in with your baby that will not only be fun for both of you, but will also help in the growth of their cognitive and motor skills as well.

Play Catch- Babies love to throw things. Whether it's a toy, their bottle or sippy cup, food or their pacifier, if it's in their hands chances are it will end up on the floor. Rest assured that they don't do this to annoy you or because they don't like the toys that you give them. They are actually implementing their cause and affect skills. When they throw their toys (or whatever), it's because they want to see what the affect of throwing it will be; what will happen when it leaves their hands. Instead of taking away the toy that they are throwing, encourage this game by playing catch with them. Use a soft ball or a stuffed animal and every time they throw it toss it back to them. They will love playing this game with you, and they will probably enjoy this new affect of throwing things better than the previous affect of it just landing on the floor.