When babies are born they understand nothing of the world around them. In the first year of their life, babies develop their ability to see clearly, interact with objects in their immediate surroundings and even say basic words. You can help your baby develop these interactive skills by engaging him in play and activity. These simple exercises not only help your baby, but also provide you with pleasure, as they serve as a means of getting an otherwise detached new infant to communicate with you and participate in activity.

1.Use light-up toys. One of the first stimuli that a baby can visibly distinguish is light. New babies commonly look at lights, as their soft glow is attractive and exciting. When purchasing toys for your new baby, select rattles or other hand held toys that light up. Start waving these toys in front of your baby even before he can hold them himself.

2.Make faces. Your baby’s eyesight improves dramatically during the months after birth. By the time she is a month old, she will be able to distinguish facial features and other distinctive qualities. As you interact with your baby, engage her by making faces. Adopt an exaggerated smile or make a funny face as you look at her. Eventually, she will smile or chuckle at your attempts at engagement.

3.Tickle the baby. When baby is little, you can tickle her feet gently. As she grows and develops the ability to giggle and laugh, engage her in more rigorous tickling sessions, tickling her ribs or tummy to induce belly laughter.

4.Blow raspberries. The noise of a raspberry, and the sensation of it on your baby’s skin, will excite and intrigue him. Blow raspberries on baby’s neck or tummy after changing his diaper or during play time.

5.Play peak-a-boo. The time honored game of peak-a-boo is a perennial baby favorite. While making eye contact with your little one, hide your eyes behind your hands. Move them away suddenly, announcing “Peak-a-boo!” with excitement. Your baby will likely laugh in return. Cover her eyes gently with your hands and repeat the process in reverse, saying “Peak-a-boo!” again as you remove your hands from her eyes.

6.Provide textured objects. As babies develop their tactile senses, they enjoy touching objects with unusual textures. Carpet swatches, smooth fabrics and fluffy surfaces all engage learning babies and can induce periods of calm petting and feeling as the baby acquaints himself with the uncommon surface.

7.Talk to the baby. While babies are not great conversationalists, talking to them is vital. These sponges soak up everything you say and learn to produce their own vocals by listening to your examples. Read to your baby, tell him a story or just talk to him about your day.