Games to Play with Your Five-Month-Old

Games to Play with Your Five-Month-Old

As your baby reaches 5 and 6 months, watch how he reacts when things disappear from view. Does he lean over to look for things he dropped? Does he put a toy down and go right back to it later?

These are signs that the baby's memory is growing. When she was younger, it was "out of sight, out of mind." Now, she is learning that things exist even when not in sight.

You can have fun with your baby and help him remember what he sees:

Show your baby a favorite toy, then turn her away so she can't see it. If she turns her head or body to look for the toy, praise her and help her get it.
Show your baby a toy, then cover it (slowly at first) with a cloth or cup. Does he try to pull the cover off?
Play "peek-a-boo" to help your baby learn that you come back when you go away. The child is learning that you exist even when he can't see you. He may get upset when you leave. Be sure to tell him goodbye and that you'll be back. Don't sneak out to fool your baby; it will scare him.

If your baby doesn't play these games now, wait a few weeks and try again.

Title:	Games to Play with Your Five-Month-Old	Number:	342
Script writer:	Dave Riley	Source:	Univ. of MN Extension Service; Univ. of WI Pub. Parenting the First Year
Date:	1996/2002	Reviewers:	Rose Allen, Ron Pitzer

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