Here is the first in a series of simple play ideas for babies from 0 to 12 months. These activities focus on engaging the senses, curiosity, stimulation and early communication between baby and parents!
Baby Bean is 4 months old already! The time has flown by faster than ever, and has been a blur of exhaustion and busyness. Her sisters totally adore her and are desperate for her to get bigger so they can play with her, and this simple activity was a great way to foster their interaction with her.
Here is a fun, simple and engaging activity that requires no preparation or cost, and that all members of the family can get involved in- bubble blowing!
Activities for young babies don’t need to be extravagant or over-planned. After all, everything is a first experience for young babies and the wonder and amazement of watching bubbles form and float, then fall, burst and disappear is totally mesmerising the first time it’s seen!
We lay Bean on the sofa where the girls could get close to her and where she would be safe and comfortable, then we all took it in turns to blow bubbles around her (NOT into or near her face, of course, in case the soap popped near her eyes.)
She looked startled when she first saw the bubbles appear and stared at them, open-mouthed as they formed around her. She focused on them really intently and followed them as they floated down, watching them change and pop out of sight. As her big sisters became involved she began to laugh and smile, waking her arms with excitement and anticipating what was coming as they lifted the wand to blow each time!
I love her thoughtful, concentration in this picture. Just imagine what her little mind is thinking and questioning! A whole new world of experiences opening up before her eyes!
EYFS Learning Links: (birth-11 months)
- sensory: investigate and discover the world using all of the senses, as appropriate
- phse: respond to differences in their environment e.g. showing interest or excitement
- maths: develop an awareness of shape, form and texture as they encounter people and things in their environment
- physical: use movement and senses to focus on, reach for and handle objects, use movement and sensory exploration to link up with their immediate environment, reach out for and touch objects
- knowledge and understanding: anticipate repeated sounds, sights and actions
Bean: 18 weeks
I LOVE this blog! Thank you so much for giving us ideas and sharing in such a great way!! 🙂
Beautiful Anna. xxx
Love this! Our little Bunny is about the same age as your Bean (we have a Bean, too, but she’s 7) and we’re going to get the bubbles out tomorrow!
I was wondering how you produce these beautiful photos (once you’ve taken them!) – what do you edit them in? I’d love to do occasional ones to share, though I’m nowhere near as creative and artistic as you.
Love this blog 🙂 We’ve just written a post on messy/sensory play and linked to here for some inspiration!
I love all the amazing ideas! Teaching Moms like me to not limit ourselves with commercial toys.. I read another blog http://aeioumommy.com, where the Mom used rice cereals and water in pans for her baby to play with. Kudos to all the Moms out there,thinking out of the box and letting their kids explore! 🙂