Playing with your baby (4-6 months)

You are your baby's favourite toy. Spending time together playing, using your voice, touch, facial expressions and movements to connect is fun, interesting and helps your baby learn.

Games to play

• Peek-a-boo.
• Tickling.
• Reading books together – babies love your voice and facial expressions.

Playing with toys

• Holding safe toys, mouthing (which is when your baby puts things in their mouth) and chewing on them.
• Touching toys to their face and mouth to feel the shape.
• Lying under hanging toys that move, watching moving objects with sound.

Outdoor play

• Watching leaves, birds and clothes blowing in wind.
• Seeing the world from different places – the floor, a seat, the outdoors.

Tummy time

• Safe tummy time on floor mats.
• Make room for rolling and gentle exercise.

Daily activities

• Being near you doing chores like laundry.
• Listening to sounds, music, nature and your singing.

Respond to your baby with care

Babies need parents to pay attention and respond during playtime. It is important to listen and react when your baby shows curiosity, excitement, interest or other feelings. At this age, your baby can also play alone, but make sure you are watching them.

See Communicating with your baby.  

Screen time

It is best not use screens like TVs, tablets and phones for babies under 2 years old except if they are video chatting or FaceTiming loved ones.

Screen time can affect their language and social skills. Instead, let your baby play, read, sing and do activities that help their learning and development. 

The Raising Children Network has an article on screen time and children you can read for more information.  

Rolling

Physical Activity for Babies