In this text, we will focus on useful activities for babies aged 8 to 12 months. During this period, cognitive development is important, so here are some activity suggestions that you can do with your little one, through which they will learn important things for further development. And a warning, babies enjoy playing the same games over and over again, so arm yourself with patience.
Bath Time
Let your baby play with plastic measuring cups, mugs with handles, put a strainer or sieve, a sponge, and a floating ball in the bathtub. Of course, give them one thing at a time, not all at once, and let them explore. Play together with them, as they will learn how to use the items by watching you.
Hide and Seek with Objects
Let your baby see you hide an object under a blanket, diaper, or pillow. Then ask them where the “cup” is, for example. If your baby is not yet able to find the object, cover only part of it. Then slowly move your hand closer to the hidden object and help the baby find it. Be surprised when they discover it, and your baby will understand the game by the second or third time and focus on the place where you hide the next object.
Let Your Baby Choose
Offer your baby two toys or two types of food and see which one they will choose. Encourage your baby to come to or point to the chosen object. At this stage of development, babies already know (for some things) what they like and what they don’t. To help them learn to make decisions, often offer them a choice between two “non-essential” things, such as: do you want the blue or red ball, do you want a banana or an apple now? Of course, you will continue to make important decisions about the proper and healthy development of your beloved child.
Noise
Your baby will now want to make noise, so be well-prepared for this period. First, show them how to bang objects together. Give them their blocks, offer them a rattle, or let them bang on boxes with wooden spoons. They will find everything that makes noise or sounds different from usual interesting. It’s not good for them to hit objects that create too much noise, just enough to produce a tolerable number of decibels.
Make a Simple Toy
To practice movement coordination, you can cut a round hole in a plastic coffee can lid. Give the baby clothespins or ping-pong balls to put inside. This should be interesting to them for the next few months, but not for too long each day, as their focus and attention are still underdeveloped.
Moving Objects In and Out of Boxes
Give your baby plastic containers filled with large beads or blocks. Your baby may also enjoy moving socks from one drawer to another or moving small boxes on and off shelves.
Exploring Their Own Appearance in the Mirror
Mirrors are exciting at this age. Let your baby pat their face, head, or poke their finger on different parts of their body. This way, they discover themselves and how they see the world around them.
