Babies naturally love to explore cause and effect and to explore their own bodies. In this activity, the baby will practice these skills by moving her legs to make noises. This activity also promotes physical development, self-awareness, reasoning, and problem-solving.
Learning Area(s): Physical Development
MATERIALS
- Foot rattle sock or baby wrist rattle (sew a lightweight rattle to sock OR place a circle-shaped rattle toy loosely around baby’s ankle)
- Towel (rolled) or nursing pillow
LET'S PLAY
Place your baby on a blanket on the floor with the rolled towel or nursing pillow under baby’s thighs. This will elevate the legs so that baby can see her feet.
Draw attention to baby’s feet by gently shaking them so that the rattle makes noise. You may have to tap baby’s feet several times until the baby understands that her feet are making the sounds. Once your baby figures out that she is making the rattle shake, encourage her to continue kicking and moving her feet. Often babies will get very excited and enjoy kicking for a long time.
If using the wrist rattles, draw attention to baby’s wrists by gently tapping or shaping them so the rattles make noise. Encourage her to continue moving her arms and attending to the sounds she can make.
TIPS
- If you do not own a foot or wrist rattle, they can be made by stitching or attaching a lightweight rattle to baby’s sock or mitten.
- You can also hold a rattle near baby’s feet so that when she kicks, the rattle will make noise.