Entertaining a 6 month old
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Entertaining a 6-month-old baby can be a delightful and important part of their development. At this age, babies are becoming more alert and interactive, but it can be hard to work out what to do to keep them engaged and entertained. I’ve spent some time looking into the most tried and tested ways to captivate and delight our little people and set them out below to help anyone needing some inspiration.
Terrific Tummy Time: Get ready for giggles galore during tummy time! It's not just a workout for those little muscles but also a prime time for a colourful toy show. Your baby might just discover a new favorite while lifting their head and peering at the fun stuff you've laid out for them.
Contrast Craze: Who knew black, white, and everything bold could be so mesmerising? Help your baby's eyesight development with high-contrast toys and patterns. It's like an artsy exhibition for their eyes!
Rattle Rave: Shake, rattle, and roll! The sound of rattles and shakers is like baby music to their ears. Watch them create their own tiny percussion ensemble as they jingle and jangle away.
Babies love to look at themselves in a mirror
Mirror Magic: The ultimate selfie time! Unlike many adults who lose the love of their own reflection, babies just can't get enough of that adorable face staring back at them. Cue the giggles and conversations with the little cutie in the mirror.
Peek-a-Boo Bonanza: Ah, the classic peek-a-boo - a timeless hit! Grab a soft blanket or use those playful hands to keep the surprises coming. Get ready for endless smiles and peals of laughter.
Brilliant Bubbles: It's bubble mania! Blow those shimmering, floating wonders and watch your baby's eyes follow their dance. The pop of a bubble is like nature's tiny fireworks show!
This is the baby gym we went for and our bubba absolutely loves it! Photo credit - Amazon.co.uk
Baby Gym Extravaganza: Time for some high-flying action at the baby gym! Hanging toys just waiting to be batted and grabbed - it's a workout for those little hands and eyes. Initially, we had wanted a muted coloured baby gym that fitted in with our decor but after a bit of research we reluctantly went for the garish item shown in the photo and now we LOVE it. It’s been a joy watching our little lady become more and more interested in the hanging toys (which have increased in number over the last few months) and go from just staring at them to really grabbing at them all. She also loves the water filled pillow which has made tummy time much more exciting. Her favourite hanging toy is Freddie Firefly, who is made of all different materials and textures with mirrors, a squeaky wing and a dangly plastic chew.
Soft Book Safari: Dive into the world of soft, cloth or board books! Let your baby's fingers roam over the simple pictures and varied textures. It's a literary escapade for the tiniest bookworm.
Musical Marvels: Let's sing, dance, and twirl to the tunes! Nursery rhymes and lullabies turn into impromptu dance parties. Holding your baby and swaying to the music is like having your very own tiny dance partner. It’s amazing how many nursery rhymes have come back to me since having a baby, although there are also a fair few 90’s pop songs in my repertoire too!
Puppet Palooza: Time for a puppet show! Put on your best puppet voice and watch your baby's eyes widen in amazement. Silly faces and playful interactions make for the perfect baby entertainment. Our little one is a huge fan of Hannah Hedgehog from Hamleys (although in our house, his name is Percy!), particularly when Daddy does silly voices whilst putting on a show for her.
Textured Touchdown: Let the textures take center stage! A soft bristle brush for gentle strokes, silky fabrics for a cozy touch - it's a whole new world of sensations waiting to be explored.
Sensory Fiesta: Time to set the stage for some texture exploration! Soft fabrics, crinkly paper, squishy toys - it's like a hands-on trip to a baby spa. Let your little explorer touch, feel, and revel in these tactile wonders. Why not get colourful scarfs and waft them over your baby whilst she or he lies on their back looking up at the colours? Sensory sock and wrist bands are also a great shout. Watch your baby wonder and wiggle with glee when his or her hands and feet make new exciting noises when they jiggle them about. Why not buy a Flashing bouncy disco ball to amaze your baby? When you bounce the ball, it turns on and flashes for 10 - 15 seconds. The LED is contained within the ball and cannot be taken out to make them safer around small children.
Baby massage is the ideal way to help your baby relax
Zen Baby Massage: Ah, relaxation time for your little one! A gentle massage with baby-safe lotion or oil is a soothing treat for those tiny arms, legs, and back.
Nature Stroll: If the weather permits, it's outdoor adventure time! Let your baby bask in the wonders of nature, staring at the sky, grabbing onto leaves, feeling the breeze, and maybe even having a chat with the trees.
Toy Hide-and-Seek: Ready, set, discover! Hide toys under a blanket and watch your baby's excitement as they unveil each surprise. It's a game of wonder and joy!
Always keep an eye on the fun and ensure all the toys and activities are baby-safe and suitable for their age. Above all, relish these moments of bonding and exploration with your little bundle of joy. If you are just starting out on your baby adventures, take a look at my survival kit for new parents for some tips and tricks that worked for us!