This can be a lovely way to distract a fussing baby. Leave some handy chimes or bells around the house, or in the car. Glass or crystal, metal spoons, bells, a tuning fork, wind chimes or musical instruments will all have the same effect. When your little one is feeling a little tired and is perhaps close to tears, try using the chimes to distract them. Ring the bell, strike.

Use a big blow-up beach ball or exercise ball (or a yoga ball) to roll baby around on, carefully supporting him. Place him on top of the ball on his stomach for rolling along the floor, rocking side to side, or holding him while bouncing up and down. Start with slow movements as baby gets used to this new position. Place yourself behind baby as you roll the ball backwards.

It might seem that your little one has a never-ending supply of energy and enthusiasm, so have fun together in this structured exercise routine! Play some fun, rhythmic music and announce that it’s “exercise time” before you begin. Let your child mirror your simple bending and stretching movements like these: put your hands on your head, touch the floor (well, at least she will!), shake your hands way up high.

This is a fun and physical way to get baby moving! Using a soft towel, place your baby onto it on her tummy. Pick up one side of the towel and slowly raise it, causing baby to tilt to the side. Continue to slowly roll baby over, talking to her as you go, and using a hand to guide her as she turns. When your baby turns over, show your.

This is playful way to develop body awareness. Say or sing “where is Daddy’s/Mummy’s nose?”, then touch your nose saying, “Here it is!”. Then say “Where is Molly’s nose?” and touching her nose say, “There it is!”. Repeat with other facial features and body parts. You can change the tune or voice (high or deep) for added entertainment. Then move onto where is the chair? Where is the front door?.

Sometimes the best ingredients for fun are already in your home. This home-made feely bag is a great way to introduce the concept of texture to your little one. Start off by gathering together a few different textured items that are small enough to fit inside a child-sized bag. The reusable cotton shopping bags are great for this kind of play. You can always write your little one’s name on.

Babies and toddlers of any age are able to get enjoyment and benefit from home-made obstacle courses. For this activity you will need cushions, pillows, soft blankets and a comfortable floor space. Set up the soft area in a messy way with pillows, cushions and blankets overlapping each other, so the path is not flat. Take your baby by the waist and “walk” them slowly over the course. The feel.

Here is a great way to stimulate your baby’s vision and hearing. Your little one will love watching colourful scarves dance before her eyes as she listens to her favourite tunes. Purchase some colourful sheer scarves, these are available at most fabric and craft stores. Stand or sit in front of your baby with the scarves. As you listen to music or sing a song, swing the scarves at your.

Think how hypnotizing it would be to watch a searchlight sweep through the sky. You can achieve the same effect with a torch in a dark room. Make a cosy corner in a room with lots of cushions or maybe some beanbags to sit on. Let your toddler sit on your lap. Shine the torch beam slowly over the walls and ceiling, encouraging your little one to follow the moving.

Here comes Mr/Miss Independent! Lay out a selection of your little one’s clothes and challenge him to have a go at dressing himself. Yes it’s a tricky task, but they get a lot of satisfaction from giving it a go, so encourage all efforts! To up his odds of succeeding, omit any difficult clothing items and stick with simple things like socks, mittens, hats and large sweaters. My little one.