Development

Motion Games for Babies

Try these games to give your baby a few kicks

By Melody Warnick, Parenting
 
 
See Also
Build your child's motor skills and creativity with these arts and crafts - Parenting.com
 Swings, bouncers, your arms -- your baby loves them all, thanks to those many months of prenatal rocking. But motion isn't entirely about calming down. For infants who are at least 2 months old, it also engages the senses and provides a few thrills. Try these go-go-go games the next time your baby needs a few kicks:

Put your 2-month-old on his back and gently roll him from side to side.
Offer a change of perspective by swooping your baby toward a mirror and out again, saying "near" and "far" as you do.
Push your baby's stroller on different surfaces -- a gravel road, the grass -- and see if he notices a difference in the movement.
Give your little one a horsey ride on your knee, alternating between a slow trot and a quick gallop.
With your 8-month-old on your hip, whirl quickly in a clockwise circle, then spin the other way. The motion will pull him closer to you and make him giggle. (Just don't try this on a baby who's younger than 8 months.)



PRINT
Quick Poll

Which kind of creepy pet do you least want to live with?

Hamsters
Gerbils
Guinea pigs
Fish
Rabbits
Birds
Snakes
Iguana
Ferret


ADVERTISEMENT
Popular on Parenting.com
Popular on Parenting.com
 
Photo Galleries

Babytalk/GMA Cover Contest 2009: Round 10

Check out these contest cuties! If you don't see your baby, check back later. We update our galleries all the time.

promotion
 

Blog: Our Editors' Daily Fave

Maura make sense of the new study that says kids should be in rear-facing car seats until age 4. Lauren reveals what it's like to interview Kate Gosselin. Plus: would you wear sperm earrings? Updated frequently by Parenting and Babytalk Editors.

Blog: The Parenting Post

Mighty Maggie: "If you thought the difference between the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers was huge, take a look at the expanse between the Boomers and THEIR kids." Updated daily!

Want to Test Products?

Parenting needs your opinion! Sign up for a chance to be a Mom Tester to review (and keep) toys, beauty products, baby gear and more.

Share Your Vacation Pix and Win!

Send us great family vacation photos and your best advice for traveling with a baby. Three moms will win a fab diaper bag!