Sheila Ellison - 365 Games Smart Babies Play: Playing, Growing and Exploring with Babies from Birth to 15 Months

Copyright 2005, 2003 by Sheila Ellison and Susan Ferdinandi

Cover and internal design 2005 by Sourcebooks, Inc.

Cover photos Getty Images

Sourcebooks and the colophon are registered trademarks of Sourcebooks, Inc.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systemsexcept in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviewswithout permission in writing from its publisher, Sourcebooks, Inc.

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.

From a Declaration of Principles Jointly Adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations

All brand names and product names used in this book are trademarks, registered trademarks, or trade names of their respective holders. Sourcebooks, Inc., is not associated with any product or vendor in this book.

Published by Sourcebooks, Inc.
P.O. Box 4410, Naperville, Illinois 60567-4410
(630) 961-3900
FAX: (630) 961-2168
www.sourcebooks.com

Originally published in 2003

The Library of Congress has catalogued the first edition as follows:
Ellison, Sheila.
365 games babies play / by Sheila Ellison and Susan Ferdinandi.
p. cm.
1. InfantsMiscellanea. 2. InfantsCareMiscellanea. 3. ParentingMiscellanea.
4. PlayMiscellanea. 5. Creative activities and seat workMiscellanea.
I. Ferdinandi, Susan. II. Title.
HQ774.E485 2003
649'.122dc20 200333707

Printed and bound in the United States of America
VHG 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2

Acknowledgments

To Lauren Zimet, M.S., CCC/SLP Speech Language Pathologist, and Robin J. Skolsky, MSPT, Physical Therapist, for contributing activity ideas as well as enthusiastic professional guidance in the areas of development, language, and the physical needs of babies.

To my children Wesley, Brooke, Rhett, and Troy for teaching me how to love unconditionally, and to my parents Nancy and Dave Maley for all their Grandparenting time.

Sheila

To my sister and co-author Sheila Ellison for her generous encouragement and guidance throughout the writing of this book.

Susan

Dedication

To my twelve-year-old son, Troy, for teaching me
that any difficulty can be overcome.
For inspiring me each day with his courage, determination,
and willingness to live life to its fullest,
even when it's a challenge.

Sheila Ellison

To my husband Dale and my children Dillon and Elizabeth.
Thank you for all the baby days.

Susan Ferdinandi

Introduction

We believe that the magic of childhood lies in the everyday moments. From birth through two years old, most moments are spent caring for, teaching, holding, and growing through baby's first experiences. There are so many things baby learns to do in such a short time that sometimes we blink and a stage is gone. This book will give you ideas of ways to spend magical time together. Included are sections on floor time, language and sound, nature, art, music, movement, family growth, grand-parenting, parks and recreation, water play, siblings, and storytelling.

Each section starts with infant-appropriate activities and progresses up through about fifteen months. Since age doesn't dictate ability, try things out and see what your baby likes and can do. The best way for you to understand your baby is to observe, so pay attention to baby's growing personality. Babies bring joy, they teach life. What a wonderful gift!

Wit & Wisdom

The advice in the Wit & Wisdom sections of this book was given to us by parents from across the country who wanted to pass on their tricks, tips, baby secrets, and wisdom to you. We would like to thank them for sharing their experiences with us. We're always looking for good advice to be added to future editions, so write to us care of Sourcebooks or visit Sheila Ellison at www.CompleteMom.com.

bonding

Ages: 0 to 3 months

What bonding is, or can be for you and baby, is time spent listening, looking, touching, talking, holding, stroking, cuddling, playing, and singing together. It is sending baby a clear message, by your actions, that you care deeply and can be counted on. Some of your greatest opportunities for bonding occur when caring for baby's needs. These needs fill much of your time together in the form of feeding, diapering, napping, bathing, and dressing. They provide regular times for you and baby to be close and learn from each other. Take ten minutes right now to visualize the kind of relationship you desire to have with baby as he or she grows up.

diaper time!

Ages: 0 to 3 months

Include baby while diapering by talking about what you are doing. Talk to baby about what is going on, and mention the parts of baby's body as you touch them. Here are some ways to involve baby: say, I'm going to change your diaper, Here is your wet diaper, You help me when you hold still. Diapering is a perfect time to gently massage baby's foot, stomach, back, face, or hands. It is also a good time to say rhymes or sing songs. You may also want to touch or rub baby's skin with various textures like a feather, piece of velvet, sheepskin, or silk scarf. Or buy a small, colorful beach ball and roll it up and down baby's tummy. Hang a secure, safe mirror alongside the changing table so baby has a good view when being changed.

Wit & Wisdom

Many new moms are back to using cloth diapers and rubber pants. To keep rubber pants soft, add vegetable oil to the wash.

Beth, Alton, Illinois

bottle- or breast-feeding

Ages: 0 and up

Whether baby is nursed, bottle-fed, or both, feeding times are precious because of the physical closeness and warmth you share. Baby will study your face very carefully, seeking eye contact with you. It's better to relax and drink in that shining face than to sit calculating how many ounces baby has consumed. If you are bottle-feeding, hold the bottle close to your body to encourage baby to look up at your face. Do this little relaxation exercise while you are nursing: starting with your toes, tense the muscle then relax, move up your body tensing every muscle for a few seconds then consciously relaxing it. (This is also a great exercise to do before bed if you have a hard time falling asleep.)

Wit & Wisdom