To do at home: Playtime ideas for your 6-10-month-old
How to pass the time with your baby if you can’t go out? Don’t panic and follow these five ideas—with not a screen in sight!
Playing with your baby is not only fun, it also helps him develop skills to build on for an active childhood. So, switch off the television, put your cell phone away and forget about your daily chores—it’s time to interact with your baby and turn this into a special time for you both!
Baby development
Every baby develops in their own unique way. Always be sure your baby has the strength and developmental skills for the activities you choose. Try these five games for starters…
- To me, to you…
What? Rolling a ball back and forth
How? If your baby can sit without support, sit opposite him with your legs and his in a “V” shape. Roll a soft ball towards him and encourage him to grab it. Once he figures out how to grab it, ask him to roll it back towards you.
Why? Practices sitting without support (a skill that many babies tend to master between seven and nine months). Also builds core strength, as well as encouraging hand-to-eye coordination.
- Clap to the beat
What? Classic “Pat-a-Cake” and clapping to music
How? Start by sitting directly in front of your baby (or help support him until he gets strong enough to sit by himself) and clapping your hands. If he doesn’t copy you, gently take his hands and show him how to clap. Then take his hands and clap them against your own, while singing a song with a beat. It doesn’t matter what you sing—childhood classic, modern pop music, or spontaneously made-up lyrics—as long as there’s a rhythm.
Why? Helps improve coordination and babies tend to love music and rhythm. One recent scientific study showed that babies from a very young age respond physically to music and rhythmic sounds.
- Look who’s standing!
What? Bouncing your baby in a standing position
How? While you’re sitting on a chair or couch, hold your baby firmly under his arms and stand him up on your knees (supporting his head if necessary). Let him gently bounce, or squat up and down, so he can feel what it’s like to support his weight on his legs.
Why? Between seven and nine months many babies are able to bear weight through their feet when supported in standing. This helps him build leg strength for when he learns to pull up to standing and starts cruising.
- Hit the target
What? Throwing/putting toys into a box and then emptying them out
How? Grab an empty plastic box or bucket and place it on the floor. Sit with your little one a small distance away from it (with support for your baby if needed), with a pile of soft toys beside you both. Pick up a toy and toss it into the box, encouraging your little one to do the same. When the box is full, he’ll love taking all the toys out and starting again.
- Monkey see, monkey do
What? Copying actions
How? Lie your baby on his back and encourage him to do what you do: wave your arms, shake your head, or make funny faces. Praise him when he copies you and repeat the action back in a more exaggerated way.
Why? Can help strengthen core muscles and coordination.
Need baby and toddler activities for a different age? Get more ideas of what to do with your little ones during during your time at home here.
Sources
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/Pages/Developmental-Milestones-7-Months.aspx (Accessed December 18, 2017)
Zentner M. Eerola T. Rhythmic engagement with music in infancy. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107(13); 5768-73.
Last revised: March, 2020
Related articles
7 Ways to Enjoy Motherhood Without Forgetting Yourself
Learn more about how to take care of yourself to enjoy motherhood. Click here to read some insights about it.
5 mins to read
Working out your birth plan
Giving birth is less daunting if you have an easy birth plan in mind to help the day go as smoothly as possible. See our birth plan guide below.
2 mins to read
Bathing hacks: How to top and tail a newborn
Some babies love having a bath, while others need time to get used to it. For the first few weeks or so, you may want to top and tail baby instead.
2 mins to read
Bottle-feeding tips
Bottle-feeding might look easy but there’s a fair bit to swallow. So here’s a list of bottle-feeding tips, covering bottle-feeding positions, setting a bottle-feeding routine, and more.
1 min to read
How to read baby sign language
From the moment they’re born, your baby has a lot to say.
2 mins to read
How to encourage baby’s first words
If you want to learn how to encourage your baby’s first words and how your support can help, read this article.
5 mins to read
New mom emotions to look out for
Learn more about your new mom emotions, how to deal with them and so red flags you need to take into consideration.
5 mins to read
How to deal with morning sickness at the start of pregnancy
Morning sickness can strike at any time of day or night. Especially at the start of pregnancy. Here’s a few things that could help make the first, delicate trimester a little easier to stomach.
1 min to read
Your hospital bag checklist
Not sure what to pack in your hospital bag? We have put together a simple hospital bag checklist with all the essentials. Forget packing light, it’s about packing right.
3 mins to read
Baby Massage: A Bonding Experience Between You and Your Baby
If you want to learn how a baby massage can improve the way your child feels while he is growing, click here.
4 mins to read
C-sections: Everything You Need to Know and Consider
Get to know more about the c-sections, how they are done, the risk and how to take care of yourself after the procedure. Click here and learn everything about it.
6 mins to read
How to help baby reflux
Baby reflux. It’s one of the most common symptoms in babies in their first year. Here are some baby reflux remedies to help prevent and ease the symptoms.
2 mins to read
Planet-saving tips for an eco-friendly baby
Saving the planet doesn’t have to stop because you’ve had a baby. Yes, they’re a teeny bundle of mess-creating, gadget-needing joy.
2 mins to read
Exercise with toddlers: hacks for hectic lives
Find clever hacks to exercise with toddlers, promoting fitness and fun. Learn how to integrate playful activities into your routine for a healthy, active lifestyle.
5 mins to read
How to emotionally prepare for parenthood before becoming a mom
Amazing news! You’re expecting your first baby. But what can you do to emotionally prepare for parenthood?
3 mins to read
How to cope with first trimester anxiety
Suffering from first trimester anxiety? You’re not alone, 1 in 10 pregnant women experience this pregnancy symptom in their first trimester. Here’s how to keep the feelings under control.
2 mins to read
Taking baby out for the first time guide
Taking baby out for the first time can be daunting. This checklist should help make it easy for all your baby friendly days out. Whether it’s a walk in the park, or somewhere more far-flung.
2 mins to read
Planning a baby shower checklist
A new arrival is definitely an excuse for a party. Whether friends or family are planning a baby shower for you, or you’re doing it yourself, here are some baby shower ideas to get you started.
2 mins to read
Baby Teething Tips
Teething can be a distressing time for your baby and you too. We’ve put together an action plan of teething tips, so you can all get through it without gritting your teeth.
2 mins to read
