Problem Solving

• Dangle a toy above the baby while he is lying on his back. He will enjoy batting it and trying to grab it. A toy that lights up or plays music is especially entertaining. When the baby can sit up on his own, stack blocks in front of him and encourage him to knock them over. Give him stacking rings and show him how to pull the rings off the stacker. Any toy that requires him to push, pull, twist, open or close teaches him cause and effect. When he begins to crawl, put his toys in a basket and watch as he discovers how to pull his toys out to play. Alternatively, place his toys around the room and watch as he travels across the floor in search of his treasures.
  
  

Musical Intelligence

• Turn on a mobile and lay the baby down in her crib. She will enjoy watching and listening. Give her toys that light up and play music when she presses buttons. Play music and carry her around, dancing to the beat. Sing songs each day during various activities. For example, singing the same song during diaper changes and another while getting ready for sleep teaches your baby that these songs are a part of her routine.
  
  

Movement

• When a baby is too young to move on his own, "bicycle" his legs and move his arms for him. Give him plenty of time on the floor to practice kicking and arm movement. Place him on his belly so he can practice lifting his head. When he is old enough to lift his head on his own, place him in a seated position with a pillow behind him to help balance. Place toys just out of his reach so he will stretch to reach them. When he starts crawling, place pillows around the room that to create a fun obstacle course. Allow him to practice jumping by placing him in a bouncer.
  
  

Emotions

• Make different faces at the baby and watch as she copies, sticking out her tongue and eventually smiling and laughing. Place her in front of the mirror and encourage her to touch the surface. She will delight in seeing her own reflection. Babies respond to tone of voice, even if they do not understand the words. Speaking to your baby in a singsong tone teaches her happiness, while speaking in a stern voice teaches her sadness or anger. Read her stories, using different voices for all the characters. Listening to stories teaches about emotions, as well as plot development.