On-the-Go Activity Cards
Face Time
As she lies in the stroller, memorize every feature of your baby’s face. (0-2 mos)
Walk and Talk
Narrate everything when you’re out walking: “These are pretty green trees.” “Did you hear the dog?” (0-2 mos)
Scent Sense
Newborns have a great sense of smell (originally designed to easily find mama). Next time you’re at the grocery store, hold up different fruits, vegetables and herbs for her to smell. Strawberries, fresh basil and ripe lemons are a great place to start. (0-2 mos)
Where's Baby?
Every time you visit a new place — the grocery store, the library, grandma’s house — snap a photo of the baby in her car seat out front. Arrange all the photos into a book for her to enjoy later on. She’ll love seeing pictures of herself as a baby, especially if you explain where she was and what you were doing together that day. (0-2 mos)
Serene Dreams
Go for a leisurely walk as a family in a peaceful setting; whether she’s awake or asleep, take turns telling her everything you hope and dream for her life. (0-2 mos)
Take in the Air
If the weather’s nice, put the bouncy seat outside and enjoy your morning coffee on the deck together. No patio? Prop open a window. Even if your baby is snoozing, the fresh air will be a great way to start the day — for both of you. (0-2 mos)
From Baby with Love
Got family in faraway places? Send postcards with a note from your newborn every time she visits a new area. (0-2 mos)
First Date
Dress him up in your favorite outfit and go to lunch together, just the two of you on his very first date. (0-2 mos)
Sit Back and Soak It In
If your baby hasn’t liked the stroller until now, this is a good age to try again. His new comfort can make a trip to the zoo or park much easier and he will drink in the different sights. (2-4 mos)
Balloon Batting
Tie a balloon to the stroller and see if your baby can follow its movement on your next trip out. Bring it close to her, far away, to the left, and right. Let her bat at it, gently, taking care not to let it get popped. (2-4 mos)
Ribbon of Leaves
Collect a dozen leaves on your next walk and tape them together when you get home, creating a ribbon of leaves. Attach the leaves to the top of the bassinet where he can enjoy the bright colors and watch them sway in the breeze. (2-4 mos)
Bzzz! Bzzz!
If you see bees or bugs or flies on your next walk or trip to the park, make a game out of it. Say “Bzzz! Bzzz!” and put your pointer finger on your baby’s tummy. Got an older sibling? He’ll love being in charge of the buzzing. (2-4 mos)
Make Some Music
Attach colorful wrist or foot rattles to your baby’s chubby hands or feet in the car. He’s starting to find his feet and hands around this time, so bright colors, sounds, and textures will keep him entertained. (2-4 mos)
360° View
Go to the park and lay out a thick blanket. Roll your baby all the way over to one edge, then the other. She’ll enjoy seeing the sights from every angle. (2-4 mos)
Got Rhythm?
Try an outdoor concert, symphony, or other musical outing with your baby. Sway with him to the music, helping him start to develop timing and rhythm. Just be sure to choose a seat with easy access to an exit so you can leave at intermission (or sooner) if you’ve both had enough. (2-4 mos)
Mini Mementos
Buy your baby a commemorative keepsake (such as a tourist magnet, bell, or spoon) from all the places you visit together, even if she’s asleep during the trip. Especially then. (2-4 mos)
Child’s Pose
Try a mommy and me yoga class together. At this age she’s likely to stay put while you enjoy a child’s pose of your own. (4-6 mos)
Fun with the Fishes
Sit your baby in front of an aquarium at a restaurant and let her eyes track the fish back and forth, back and forth. (4-6 mos)
Tickle Time
Tickle that tummy for instant laughing, anywhere. (4-6 mos)
New Faces
Have a couple of comforting moves ready for moments when strangers want to greet your baby. Some babies are startled by new faces but holding your hand on your baby’s cheek will make him feel more supported. He might even smile, to the delight of everyone. (4-6 mos)
Mommy Rock
Play your favorite songs for your baby in the car and see if she reacts with kicks and squeals. It’s great to pop in a children’s CD once in a while, but don’t forget to share your interests with her too, especially while she’s still a captive audience. (4-6 mos)
Traveling Toys
Attach a colorful toy to your baby’s stroller or car seat, one with lots of different colors, textures, and pieces that he can move or bite. (4-6 mos)
Grocery Store School
When you’re at the grocery store, tell your baby about all the different foods you’re buying and how they’re prepared. “This is milk and you drink it. This is chicken and we grill it.” Pretend to take a bite of her hand, too, and giggles are sure to follow. (4-6 mos)
Rhymes With…
When you hear cooing from the car seat, respond with noises and words that sound similar or rhyme. Your baby will enjoy the sing-song patterns and learn like-noises at the same time. (4-6 mos)
Backpack Botanist
Take your baby for a hike in a backpack for a whole new view of the world. (6-8 mos)
Roll and Rest
Head to the park where your baby can roll on the grass while you sit with a cool drink. (6-8 mos)
Little Music Lessons
Join a music class for infants, one that teaches rhythm, sound, and interaction all at a comfortable pace for babies. You’ll marvel at how quickly he picks up the beat with his hands or his feet. (6-8 mos)
Ready, Set, Swim!
This is the perfect age to sign up your baby for Daddy-and-Me swimming lessons. Look for a weekend class to see a natural at work. (6-8 mos)
Step into the Sandbox
Sandbox here you come! Treat the little guy to a new bucket and shovel. While he may not be able to handle them yet, prop him up and show him how it’s done. Build a sandcastle, then knock it down with big hand gestures and noises. Then do it again. Up, down, up, down. (6-8 mos)
Candid Camera
Take your baby to a photo booth and either pose together or hold her up alone. If her expressions don’t change much with each take, use accessories like a hat or sunglasses and try again. (6-8 mos)
Turn Left
When you’re out in the stroller, narrate your moves as you “stop,” “turn left,” “turn around,” and “go!” Make exaggerated movements so he can really sense the changes. (6-8 mos)
Play Find The Baby!
On your next outing to the park, point out the other babies you see along the way. In carriers or in strollers, say, “I see a baby! Where’s the baby? Can you see a baby?” (6-8 mos)
The Wonder of Reading
Read books aloud at the local library or bookstore to learn which ones make your baby’s eyes go wide. (8-12 mos)
At One with Nature
Pause during stroller rides to let your baby gently touch flowers and shrubs at her level. (8-12 mos)
Are You an Animal?
Visit a zoo and make animal sounds for your baby. Or, challenge the whole family to see who can get the biggest response with funny gestures: Tickle your armpits outside the monkey house, lock your palms together and sway back and forth at the elephant exhibit, and so on. (8-12 mos)
It’s Better Barefoot
If your baby is cruising now, take off her shoes and let her “walk” barefoot in your yard or at the beach. With you holding her hands above, she’ll enjoy her first stroll even more. (8-12 mos)
Highchair Adventure
Try a family-friendly restaurant for lunch and let your baby sit in a highchair, telling her how special this new seat is. The music, people, menus and napkins will also be an adventure for her — and a nice break from the kitchen for you. (8-12 mos)
Dance Party
Have a dance party. Pick up your baby — or hold both hands if she’s cruising or walking — and rock out to your favorite songs. This is one dance that you definitely get to lead. (8-12 mos)
Grocery Games
Keep your baby occupied at the grocery store by letting him sit in the cart and choose from two items before you put them in. Hold up two bags of bread or two cartons of milk and no matter which one he “picks,” he wins! Or simplify by letting him hold a crinkly bag of chips or anything else with a fun sound that can withstand a little roughhousing. (8-12 mos)
A View from the Top
Two words: Daddy’s shoulders. (8-12 mos)
Walk the Home Stretch
Help your little cruiser walk for the last few steps whenever you can do so safely. On the playground let him out of the stroller just before you reach the swings. After you’ve parked the car in the garage let him toddle into the house, and so on. He’ll love the chance to stretch his legs and show off his emerging skills. (12 mos & up)
Wave of Delight
Hold your baby’s hand at the beach and watch her face light up the moment those waves hit her tiny toes. (12 mos & up)
Bread In, Bread Out
Take your baby to dinner and let him play with the bread basket: He’ll love taking out all the pieces and putting them back in again. Out, in, out… Sugar packets work too, but just make sure that you put everything where it goes before leaving the table. (12 mos & up)
Occupation Conversation
When you’re walking around town, the mall or any other public place with lots of people, point out various occupations and explain what they are, what the people do, and, by the way, what does your baby want to be when he grows up? (12 mos & up)
The Wheels on the Bus
With your baby in the stroller, sing “The Wheels on the Bus” and teach her the hand movements, too. Roll your arms when the wheels go “round and round,” wave your forearms as the wipers “swish, swish, swish…” (12 mos & up)
Starts with the Letter…
Make a car ride more fun by thinking of as many words as you can that start with the same letter as your baby’s name, saying each one aloud to him. This one’s fun to play with an older sibling, too. (12 mos & up)
Feel the Food
Let her touch the products you’re buying at the grocery store and explain their textures: Feel the cold milk, the prickly pineapple, the smooth boxes, etc. (12 mos & up)
Spot the Dog
Spot a dog. Next time you’re in the park, point out each dog that crosses your path. Get excited about each one and have an older sibling tell your baby whether this dog is B-I-G or little, yellow, brown, black, and so on. Pretty soon she’ll be pointing along with you. (12 mos & up)
