month 14:

Stimulating your baby’s brain with music and games

Greetings

By now you're amazed at your baby’s development in a few short months, especially if they have started walking. Apart from this giant change in their ability to move, a lot of brain development is also taking place—you just can’t see it.

According to research, infants and toddlers build stronger brain circuits by interacting with real people. Lack of human interaction can have significant consequences. To promote optimal brain development, be sure to continue talking, singing, and playing with your baby every day.

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Activities that you can do

Here are some activities you can try with your baby this month.

1. Peek-a-boo [PDF]

Sit with your baby and play peek-a-boo [PDF] by hiding your face behind your hands. Once your baby knows the game, encourage them to use their hands and lead the play. Progress to hiding behind furniture (indoors) or trees and shrubs (outdoors) and moving in and out of hiding while saying “Peek-a-boo!”

2. Music time with homemade maracas

Fill empty plastic bottles halfway with rice, beans, or dry pasta. Tightly seal the cap with glue or tape. Play music and dance with your baby while shaking your bottles!

For more fun ways to engage with your baby, check out these 17 song and game ideas to keep your baby moving and clapping.

Remember: If your baby begins to fuss or cry during any of these activities, it might be a sign that they're hungry or need a rest.

Tips for your own self-care

As parents, we spend a lot of time and effort making sure our children have many opportunities to play, socialize, and explore various sports and activities. Yet how often do we give ourselves permission to do the same? As one hockey mom learned when she took up the sport herself, it’s never too late to start—and there’s no better way to teach our children the value of stepping out of their comfort zone than by pushing ourselves to try new things.

Things to watch for this month

These are some of the things that your baby might be doing this month:

Turning in a circle when sitting
Standing by flexing their knees and pushing off from a squat
Crawling up stairs

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Disclaimer: The activities provided in this newsletter are for educational purposes only. If you choose to proceed, do so with caution and at your own risk.

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