Are you looking for some activity ideas to implement into your family’s daily routine?
Each week we will add a new activity page with a weekly selection of activity ideas to try at home. Discover previous Infant weekly activities using in the useful links section at the bottom of this page.
With the support of you their parent/carer all activities support your littles ones developmental journey whilst being fun and engaging.
Enjoy and have fun!
What day is it today?
Monday's Activities
Activity 1 - Picture Playtime
Including pictures in playtime will help your baby to start connecting words and objects. Try repeating key words and then pointing out those objects when you see them - for instance, stars in a picture book, stars on a baby sock, a star toy.
Activity 2 - Umbrella Fun
To you, it's probably just something to keep the rain off your head. But to your baby an umbrella can be a very exciting thing. Umbrellas make a great addition to a walk whether in rain or shine.
Even if it's not raining, try taking your umbrella the next time you go for a walk with your baby. Talk to them about the sound of the rain going pitter patter or the shadows that are cast as the sun light passes through the material. Just remember to keep talking about what you can see or hear.
Activity 3 - Rhyme Time
Babies love when rhymes involve your gentle touch and tickles.
Cross, Cross, Line, Line - Tiny Happy People
Tuesday's Activities
Activity 1 - Tummy Time Reaching
Get baby comfy on the floor and place a few familiar items just out of reach, for example, their teddy, a spoon and a noisy toy.
When baby looks towards each item, pick it up and say its name, e.g. ‘a spoon, it’s your spoon’. Put lots of emphasis on the key word, ‘spoon’. Then give that item to the baby to explore. Once they have done this, place it back and do the same with the other items. Try mixing it up with different items each tummy time. You could use any toys lying around or even their socks!
As baby starts to reach out and crawl, you can comment on their behavior, ‘oh you want you teddy? You’ve got teddy! Well done!’.. Repetition helps to create new behaviors, so try these activities in short bursts and baby will soon start to enjoy tummy time. And hopefully, you will too!
Tummy Time (pdf)
Activity 2 - Baby Workout
Looking for a way of talking to your baby while doing something active?
Activity 3 - Sing a Song
Making up rhymes is a great way to make chores like doing the washing more enjoyable.
This dad takes the tune of Round and Round the Garden and gives it his own spin!
Round and Round for Ages - Tiny Happy People
Wednesday's Activities
Activity 1 - Toy Hide and Seek
Try hiding a toy and looking for it together in a fun game of hide and seek!
This activity helps with your baby's interactions and communication skills.
Activity 2 - Baby Aerobics
It's not too early for your newborn to have a baby workout! Try small movements like raising their arms and pedaling their legs.
This is a great way to hold their attention and build their focus - keep eye contact with baby, talk to them and wait for their reactions.
Activity 3 - Listen Along, What the Ladybird Heard
What the Lady Bird Heard - Cute Institute (YouTube)
Thursday's Activities
Activity 1 - Peek a Boo, Where are You?
Peek a boo is a lot of fun for your baby and great for their understanding of the world. Try hiding behind your hands, or behind a scarf, or ducking down behind something before popping up.
If you've got an older child, why not get them involved too? Getting an older sibling involved will help boost your little ones talking.
Activity 2 - Point and Name Game
This activity is a fun way for your baby to learn new words and develop their communication skills.
This game is great for bonding with baby.
Activity 3 - Listen and Sing Along
One Big Hippo Balancing - BBC Teach
Friday's Activities
Activity 1 - Where's That Sound?
Learning to talk isn't just about your baby being able to put words together with the things they see. It's important that they make connections with the things they hear too.
Activity 2 - Paddling Pool
On a warm day get out a paddling pool and fill with a small amount of warm water, allow your baby to splash and kick, or place some toys into the water for them to explore. Catching floating toys is great for developing fine motor skills.
If it is a sunny day remember your little one needs sun lotion, and place the pool in the shade if you can.
NEVER LEAVE YOUR BABY / CHILD UNATTENDED IN WATER
Activity 3 - Storytime, I am a Tiger
I am a Tiger - BookTrust (YouTube)
Useful links: