Encouraging Baby Development - 4 Months (Week 1)

  Tummy Bubbles

Your baby's hands seem to be everywhere now; he grabs because it's so exciting for him to see something, reach for it, and actually touch it. His hands are learning to do what his brain tells them to do!
Appropriate for: 4 months to 1 year
Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination
What you'll need: Bubbles for blowing (store-bought, or you can search online for recipes to make at home)

Get your baby settled in a bath seat set on a plastic mat, bathroom rug, or towel, then break out the bubbles. Start by blowing a few gently in his direction, letting him reach out to them as they float by (and taking care not to get the soapy bubble formula in his eyes). Though he won't be able to catch the bubbles yet, he'll enjoy grabbing for them. Then start aiming bubbles at his legs, arms, hands, tummy, and so on, naming each body part as you go. ("There's a bubble on your tummy!" "There's a bubble on your hand!") If his skin is a little damp, the bubble may land without popping.

  Bend Over Butterfly
As your baby becomes fascinated with animals and insects, pretending to be one together is a great way to pique that interest.
Appropriate for: 4 months to 1 year
Skills developed: Verbal, motor
What you'll need: No equipment needed

Sit cross-legged on the floor or ground with your baby sitting in your lap facing forward (away from you). Bend from the waist with your arms stretched forward, making a roof over your baby with your body, so you become a "cocoon" enveloping her. Speaking softly and slowly, say, "Okay caterpillar, you're waking up now." Gradually lift your arms over your head as you say, "You're coming out of your cocoon now, you're becoming a butterfly." Then sit up and reach your baby's arms up, too. Move your arms out to the sides and flap them, saying, "Now you're spreading your wings – you're a butterfly!" As you play this game over and over, your baby will eventually learn to flap her arms to "be a butterfly," too.

Variation: Once your baby starts walking, she can crawl into your lap as the caterpillar ready to make a cocoon, then stand up and "fly" out of your lap when she's a butterfly, continuing to wave her arms as she moves around the room.

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.