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Baby Activities for Babies 6 - 9 months
As your baby grows they will need new and interesting activities to keep them engaged. It is time to start introducing toys that they can interact and play with.
Babies must be supervised at all times and during all activities, particularly where water is involved.
But as babies grow they become more mobile and more of what they touch goes straight to their mouths so you must become even more vigilant than normal.
Check out this page for some ideas on what to do with your baby and how to keep having fun together.
But as babies grow they become more mobile and more of what they touch goes straight to their mouths so you must become even more vigilant than normal.
Check out this page for some ideas on what to do with your baby and how to keep having fun together.
Activity Toys – It is time to start introducing books and toys with a more activity focus. Look for toys with opening flaps, buttons and different textures and sounds.
Album of friends – Make your own book or album of favourite family members, toys or places. Not only will your baby enjoy talking about and looking at the photos with you now but it will be a lovely keepsake in years to come. You can even try making a book about sleep with pictures about reading, baths and bedtime; it will help your baby learn to link these activities with sleep time.
Baby’s Peek a boo – Now it is time for your baby to play peek a boo. Pop your hands or muslin wrap over their eyes, then pull it away quickly and say Peek-a-boo. As always be careful to keep the material away from our baby’s mouth.
Balls - your baby may finally be able to play ball with you. Try sitting on the floor and rolling a ball or empty water bottle between you. You can also try rolling a small ball through an old cardboard roll from aluminium foil or glad wrap. Your baby will love to watch the ball disappear and reappear right in front of their eyes.
Balloons - Buy a helium balloon and tie it your baby’s wrist, watch their delight as it bounces in the air as they move and they try to catch it with their other hand.
Bath time – Try adding bubbles to the bath, a bath puppet, a bucket or cup or toys that squeak and float. You can even try blowing bubbles in the water with a straw for added fun.
Building – You can build up blocks and let your baby knock them down again. It is a fun hand eye coordination game, but be warned once you start you may be in for a whole afternoon of demolition duty.
Cellophane – Get a large piece of cellophane and crinkle and scrunch it with your baby. They will love the sounds. Just make sure you supervise your baby and make sure it doesn’t go straight to their mouth.
Clapping – help your baby learn to clap but playing clapping songs and games with him, as well as clapping their hands together, they will soon get the hang of it.
Crawling – Get down to your babies level and crawl around with them. Not only will it give you a chance to look for potential hazards but your baby will think it is wonderful to have you down at their level.
Cubbies – Try making cubby houses for you and your baby to crawl into. Your baby will love the comfort of a new cosy space to play especially if their favourite playmate is with them.
Eat you up – Play “eat you up”. Put on a funny voice and say “I’m going to eat you up for dinner”, then proceed to gobble up your baby’s tummy or toes. They should respond with screams of delight.
Food – Food can become a toy for your baby. Try cutting up small pieces of soft fruit, or giving them some soft pieces of cooked pasta or beans. They will love squishing them around on their highchair table.
Friends – If you have friends with other babies or young children take your baby along to meet them. They may not be old enough to play with them yet, but they will enjoy watching them. If you haven’t got any friends with babies, try joining a mums group or playgroup.
Get wet - weather you have a pool, buy a plastic blue clam, splash in puddles or play under a watering can or sprinkler, your baby will love to play and splash in water. Just make sure that your baby is always supervised around water and slippery surfaces though.
Hiding toys – Try playing hide and seek a boo with your baby’s favourite toy. Make sure they see the toy moving away and almost out of sight, and then surprise them as it jumps back into sight.
In and Out toys – It is time for your baby to learn about putting objects in and out of a container. You can buy specially made toys with various shapes that fit in pre made holes, or you can make your own by filling a plastic jar or container with small toys and letting your baby try to get the toys out and you can then help them to put the toys back in.
Jack in a box – Teach baby about surprises with a jack in a box.
Jelly treats – Using packet jelly or gelatine and food colouring, make up some jelly cubes in ice cube trays. Pop them on your baby’s high chair table and watch them have fun squishing and wobbling their new toy.
Kite - Buy a kite and take it out on a windy day, keep the string short so your baby can not only watch the kite but try to reach for it too. Let them gently pull on the string to help the kite move.
Laugh – Find activities that make you both laugh. If your baby does something that makes them laugh, laugh with them and teach them that have the ability to make you laugh. My daughter loves to make an exaggerated laughing sound; it is so funny it makes everyone laugh. Whenever we are out in public she does this to make strangers laugh. She is only 9 months old but already loves to make other people smile.
Lie down horsey – Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lay your baby across your shins, facing towards you, then slowly lift your feet up and pull your nears towards your stomach. Once your baby is in a secure horizontal position, move your legs up and down for a new take on horsey rides.
Making music – Buy your baby a Tamborine or xylophone and let them enjoy making their own music. You can even give them an upside pot and a couple of wooden spoons to make their own drum kit or buy a small flute or whistle. They may not play a tune yet but will enjoy trying.
Mirror – Let your baby look at herself in a big mirror. Try saying “who’s that”. Is that mummy? Is that you bubba? Your baby won’t understand who it is for a while yet but will enjoy the smiling faces.
Nuddie Time – Your baby is always wrapped in clothes and nappies. Give them a chance to have a little nudie time to play before or after their bath. Whilst they are active they are unlikely to have any accidents, but put an old towel down on the bed if you are worried.
Organised Activities – As your baby gets more active it can be harder to keep them entertained at home. If they begin to sigh as you bring over the same basket of toys it may be time to get try an organised activity outside of home. There are a range of activities such as playgroups, gymaboree, library story time, music time, baby exercise and walking clubs as well as many other mum and bub play date activities through your local church or community group.
Pet shop – It may be time to start visiting a pet store or pet zoo. Your baby may not know all the names yet, but he will enjoy watching these new and fascinating creatures.
Play pen – With your baby on the move, it can be hard to supervise them every minute of the day, so set up a plan pen with a range of safe toys. But watch out as they begin to pull up as they will begin to climb up the sides. Try to find a playpen with a built in floor and try placing it in on foam camping squares and a blanket to help cushion baby slips and falls.
Pull Up – Your baby can start taking some weight on their legs now, if they are interested in pulling up or holding onto your hands whilst gently bouncing in a standing position, then encourage her. Be warned though, once they start, they rarely want to stop. My little one forcibly grabs my thumbs and puts them into position ready for her pull up games.
Sing a longs – Continue to play your baby music, but now try to encourage singing, sing la la la or other vowels in time with the music. My daughter really gets into songs she loves now, and absolutely loves to sing along with Australian Idol.
Sock Draw – It can be tiresome for your exploring baby to always hear the word ‘no’. Choose a draw and fill it with socks, Tupperware or other un-breakables. Let this be their ‘special’ draw.
Spoons – Prepare your baby for the day she will feed herself by letting her play with plastic baby spoons. You can try smearing on a little pureed fruit to encourage them with linking the spoon with food.
Stationary Jumpers – Try a jolly jumper, stationary jumper or walker and add a new dimension of play for your baby. They will love being in the upright position to play and it will help with their standing, posture and balance. I really loved the Safety 1st Bouncing Play Station, not only will it provide your baby with months of bouncing fun, but it later converts to a racing car track for your budding car enthusiast.
Surprise – Try hiding a bright scarf in an old toilet paper or paper towel tube and pulling it out as you shout “surprise”, let your baby try.
Swimming – if the weather is warm enough and you are luckily enough to own a pool your baby is now older enough to be introduced to the water. It is also a good time to start swimming lessons whether at home or a professional centre.
Teething rings – With your bubbies new teeth on the way make sure you add a few teething toys to their collection. Just remember to only chill teething toys in the fridge, never freeze them.
Tug of war – Get a wrap or small towel and play tug of war with your baby. Just don’t pull hard and make sure your baby has a pillow or other soft support behind them just in case they prematurely let go.
Tunnels – Try buying a fabric tunnel for your baby to crawl through, add a few toys along the way or at the end for added fun.
Water bottle – let your baby play with an empty plastic soft drink or water bottle and let them enjoy the crinkling sound or watching it roll. You can also add a little water and a lid to add another dimension to play.
Water spray – on a warm day fill a new water spray bottle with water and gently spray in the air or on your baby’s toes. Let them enjoy the new sensations.
Washing Basket – Whilst you are ironing, fill a clothes basket with rolled socks and other soft garments and let your baby amuse herself, pulling the clothes out and climbing in and out of the basket.
Waving – It may be time to show your baby how to wave hello and goodbye as well as blowing kisses. They might not completely understand what is going on but they will probably try and copy you.
Zen – Whilst your baby will love all the new and exciting ways to spend her day. Take some time out each day to spend some quiet time together, whether it is walk around the garden watching butterfly’s, a story, watching the ceiling fan or simply having a quiet cuddle and rock. Your baby will enjoy these “time outs” even though she may not realise it.
Album of friends – Make your own book or album of favourite family members, toys or places. Not only will your baby enjoy talking about and looking at the photos with you now but it will be a lovely keepsake in years to come. You can even try making a book about sleep with pictures about reading, baths and bedtime; it will help your baby learn to link these activities with sleep time.
Baby’s Peek a boo – Now it is time for your baby to play peek a boo. Pop your hands or muslin wrap over their eyes, then pull it away quickly and say Peek-
Balls -
Balloons -
Bath time – Try adding bubbles to the bath, a bath puppet, a bucket or cup or toys that squeak and float. You can even try blowing bubbles in the water with a straw for added fun.
Building – You can build up blocks and let your baby knock them down again. It is a fun hand eye coordination game, but be warned once you start you may be in for a whole afternoon of demolition duty.
Cellophane – Get a large piece of cellophane and crinkle and scrunch it with your baby. They will love the sounds. Just make sure you supervise your baby and make sure it doesn’t go straight to their mouth.
Clapping – help your baby learn to clap but playing clapping songs and games with him, as well as clapping their hands together, they will soon get the hang of it.
Crawling – Get down to your babies level and crawl around with them. Not only will it give you a chance to look for potential hazards but your baby will think it is wonderful to have you down at their level.
Cubbies – Try making cubby houses for you and your baby to crawl into. Your baby will love the comfort of a new cosy space to play especially if their favourite playmate is with them.
Eat you up – Play “eat you up”. Put on a funny voice and say “I’m going to eat you up for dinner”, then proceed to gobble up your baby’s tummy or toes. They should respond with screams of delight.
Food – Food can become a toy for your baby. Try cutting up small pieces of soft fruit, or giving them some soft pieces of cooked pasta or beans. They will love squishing them around on their highchair table.
Friends – If you have friends with other babies or young children take your baby along to meet them. They may not be old enough to play with them yet, but they will enjoy watching them. If you haven’t got any friends with babies, try joining a mums group or playgroup.
Get wet -
Hiding toys – Try playing hide and seek a boo with your baby’s favourite toy. Make sure they see the toy moving away and almost out of sight, and then surprise them as it jumps back into sight.
In and Out toys – It is time for your baby to learn about putting objects in and out of a container. You can buy specially made toys with various shapes that fit in pre made holes, or you can make your own by filling a plastic jar or container with small toys and letting your baby try to get the toys out and you can then help them to put the toys back in.
Jack in a box – Teach baby about surprises with a jack in a box.
Jelly treats – Using packet jelly or gelatine and food colouring, make up some jelly cubes in ice cube trays. Pop them on your baby’s high chair table and watch them have fun squishing and wobbling their new toy.
Kite -
Laugh – Find activities that make you both laugh. If your baby does something that makes them laugh, laugh with them and teach them that have the ability to make you laugh. My daughter loves to make an exaggerated laughing sound; it is so funny it makes everyone laugh. Whenever we are out in public she does this to make strangers laugh. She is only 9 months old but already loves to make other people smile.
Lie down horsey – Lay on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Lay your baby across your shins, facing towards you, then slowly lift your feet up and pull your nears towards your stomach. Once your baby is in a secure horizontal position, move your legs up and down for a new take on horsey rides.
Making music – Buy your baby a Tamborine or xylophone and let them enjoy making their own music. You can even give them an upside pot and a couple of wooden spoons to make their own drum kit or buy a small flute or whistle. They may not play a tune yet but will enjoy trying.
Mirror – Let your baby look at herself in a big mirror. Try saying “who’s that”. Is that mummy? Is that you bubba? Your baby won’t understand who it is for a while yet but will enjoy the smiling faces.
Nuddie Time – Your baby is always wrapped in clothes and nappies. Give them a chance to have a little nudie time to play before or after their bath. Whilst they are active they are unlikely to have any accidents, but put an old towel down on the bed if you are worried.
Organised Activities – As your baby gets more active it can be harder to keep them entertained at home. If they begin to sigh as you bring over the same basket of toys it may be time to get try an organised activity outside of home. There are a range of activities such as playgroups, gymaboree, library story time, music time, baby exercise and walking clubs as well as many other mum and bub play date activities through your local church or community group.
Pet shop – It may be time to start visiting a pet store or pet zoo. Your baby may not know all the names yet, but he will enjoy watching these new and fascinating creatures.
Play pen – With your baby on the move, it can be hard to supervise them every minute of the day, so set up a plan pen with a range of safe toys. But watch out as they begin to pull up as they will begin to climb up the sides. Try to find a playpen with a built in floor and try placing it in on foam camping squares and a blanket to help cushion baby slips and falls.
Pull Up – Your baby can start taking some weight on their legs now, if they are interested in pulling up or holding onto your hands whilst gently bouncing in a standing position, then encourage her. Be warned though, once they start, they rarely want to stop. My little one forcibly grabs my thumbs and puts them into position ready for her pull up games.
Sing a longs – Continue to play your baby music, but now try to encourage singing, sing la la la or other vowels in time with the music. My daughter really gets into songs she loves now, and absolutely loves to sing along with Australian Idol.
Sock Draw – It can be tiresome for your exploring baby to always hear the word ‘no’. Choose a draw and fill it with socks, Tupperware or other un-
Spoons – Prepare your baby for the day she will feed herself by letting her play with plastic baby spoons. You can try smearing on a little pureed fruit to encourage them with linking the spoon with food.
Stationary Jumpers – Try a jolly jumper, stationary jumper or walker and add a new dimension of play for your baby. They will love being in the upright position to play and it will help with their standing, posture and balance. I really loved the Safety 1st Bouncing Play Station, not only will it provide your baby with months of bouncing fun, but it later converts to a racing car track for your budding car enthusiast.
Surprise – Try hiding a bright scarf in an old toilet paper or paper towel tube and pulling it out as you shout “surprise”, let your baby try.
Swimming – if the weather is warm enough and you are luckily enough to own a pool your baby is now older enough to be introduced to the water. It is also a good time to start swimming lessons whether at home or a professional centre.
Teething rings – With your bubbies new teeth on the way make sure you add a few teething toys to their collection. Just remember to only chill teething toys in the fridge, never freeze them.
Tug of war – Get a wrap or small towel and play tug of war with your baby. Just don’t pull hard and make sure your baby has a pillow or other soft support behind them just in case they prematurely let go.
Tunnels – Try buying a fabric tunnel for your baby to crawl through, add a few toys along the way or at the end for added fun.
Water bottle – let your baby play with an empty plastic soft drink or water bottle and let them enjoy the crinkling sound or watching it roll. You can also add a little water and a lid to add another dimension to play.
Water spray – on a warm day fill a new water spray bottle with water and gently spray in the air or on your baby’s toes. Let them enjoy the new sensations.
Washing Basket – Whilst you are ironing, fill a clothes basket with rolled socks and other soft garments and let your baby amuse herself, pulling the clothes out and climbing in and out of the basket.
Waving – It may be time to show your baby how to wave hello and goodbye as well as blowing kisses. They might not completely understand what is going on but they will probably try and copy you.
Zen – Whilst your baby will love all the new and exciting ways to spend her day. Take some time out each day to spend some quiet time together, whether it is walk around the garden watching butterfly’s, a story, watching the ceiling fan or simply having a quiet cuddle and rock. Your baby will enjoy these “time outs” even though she may not realise it.
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Activities for your Baby Aged 6 - 9 months
