Babies change fast – from newborns into infants, from infants into babies, and from babies into toddlers. Yet nothing feels truer than the adage that the first couple years are the “longest shortest time.” The day-to-day hours with a child can feel endless, even if happily so. Waking up with a pre-verbal little human staring at you, who seems to be asking, “How will we fill the next twelve hours?” can be daunting.
Unless you have a game plan.
Which I mean literally: a plan of games. With my son, I used two game books – Gymboree: 365 Activities You and Your Baby Will Love and Jackie Silberg’s Games to Play with Baby – starting with the day he came home from the hospital. A couple of “games” a day (sometimes as simple as bubble blowing or learning a new lullaby!) helped guide my early days as a parent and gave shape to what would otherwise seem an endless string of nursing, napping, and crying.
As I embark on motherhood with my second child, this is the landing page for a baby “curriculum”. Don’t at all feel as though you need to do the activities in the same order I did, but rather choose what works with your baby’s schedule, mood, and life on any given day. As always, remember the key is to enjoy.
0 Months Old
- Day 1: Diaper Time Language; Skin-to-Skin
- Day 2: Diaper Time Massage; Memory Box
- Day 3: Diaper Rhyme Time; Test the Grasp Reflex
- Day 4: Animal Hammock; Birth Recovery
- Day 5: First Sensations; Feeding Time Activity Bag
- Day 6: Diaper Time Reflections; Start Talking
- Day 7: Mama’s Scent; Sing a Lullaby
- Day 8: Begin a Baby Journal; Decode Baby’s Cries
- Day 9: Tippy Toe; Take a Neighborhood Walk
- Day 10: Penny Wish Container; Spend Time Alone with Baby
- Day 11: Rock-a-Baby; Baby in Space
- Day 12: Black and White; What’s Hanging?
- Day 13: Stretching; Eat Well
- Day 14: Light and Shade; Baby Watches Ribbons
- Day 15: Infant Massage; Mirror Your Baby’s Expression
- Day 16: Draw a Simple Face; Leopard in the Tree
- Day 17: Share the Hugs; Foot or Hand Jingles
- Day 18: Stick Out Your Tongues; Newborn Bathtime 101
- Day 19: Let Baby Get Moving; Spider Time
- Day 20: Visit an Art Museum; Ask Questions
- Day 21: Tracking Game
- Day 22: Swat the Toy
- Day 23: Give Baby a Hand Massage
- Day 24: Bathrobe Toys
- Day 25: Pinwheel Watch
- Day 26: Calming Pose
- Day 27: “Baby Napping” Sign
- Day 28: Bird’s-Eye View
- Day 29: Dancing Hands
- Day 30: Check the Diaper Bag
- Day 31: Develop the Gaze
1 Month Old
- Day 1: Apple Art for Tummy Time
- Day 2: Stop and Watch
- Day 3: A Little Flea Went Walking; Visual Stimulation
- Day 4: Baby Aerobics; See a Children’s Play
- Day 5: Baby Sensory Sound Activity
- Day 6: Bond More Deeply
- Day 7: Kisses to Learn
- Day 8: Visit a Bakery
- Day 9: Read Aloud
- Day 10: Yoga Relaxation Walk
- Day 11: Record Your Baby
- Day 12: Scarf Play
- Day 13: Trade Top Tops;
- Day 14: Visit a Local Store
- Day 15: Take a Bath with Your Baby
- Day 16: Join Your Local Library
- Day 17: Visit a Fire Station
- Day 18: Tracking Toys
- Day 19: First Smiles
- Day 20: Dance to a Rhythm
- Day 21: Calm Baby
- Day 22: Black & White Dot Pictures
- Day 23: Baby Face
- Day 24: Meet New Friends
- Day 25: Introduce the Family
- Day 26: Be a Kangaroo
- Day 27: Instant Entertainment
- Day 28: Mirror Faces; Cooing Game
- Day 29: Try Some “On” Time
- Day 30: Where Are You?
- Day 31: Repeat a Simple Story; Face to Face
2 Months Old
- Day 1: Unwind Outside
- Day 2: White Noise
- Day 3: Indoor Sledding
- Day 4: Customize the Baby Gym
- Day 5: Floating Scarves
- Day 6: Butterfly Kisses
- Day 7: Up and Away
- Day 8: Flashlight Show
- Day 9: Touching Faces
- Day 10: Sock Play
- Day 11: Color Vision
- Day 12: Play with Finger Puppets
- Day 13: Noisy Toys
- Day 14: Book Swap
- Day 15: Entertain with Dances
- Day 16: Name Drop
- Day 17: Changing World
- Day 18: Roly Poly Play
- Day 19: Touch and Feel
- Day 20: Simple Hand- and Footprints
- Day 21: Musical “Hide-and-Seek”
- Day 22: New Household Sounds
- Day 23: Join a Local Parent and Baby Group
- Day 24: First Instrument
- Day 25: Tower of Blocks
- Day 26: Hang a Mobile
- Day 27: Advanced Tummy Time
- Day 28: Ready, Action
- Day 29: First Giggles
- Day 30: Connect with Classical
- Day 31: Hand Control; Get Physical
3 Months Old
- Day 1: Baby’s Daily Routine
- Day 2: Tactile Rhyme
- Day 3: Baby Sign; Sleepy Baby
- Day 4: Reminder Pad
- Day 5: Go to a Children’s Museum; Break Open the Bubbles
- Day 6: Textured Talk
- Day 7: Bouncing Baby
- Day 8: Baby Sit-Ups
- Day 9: Aquarium Adventure
- Day 10: Visual Reassurance
- Day 11: Kiss Me Game
- Day 12: Have a Family Meal
- Day 13: Let Go, Grab Hold
- Day 14: Welcome to My World
- Day 15: Tasty Toes
- Day 16: Introduce Peekaboo
- Day 17: New Gurgles and Coos
- Day 18: Picture This
- Day 19: Baby Playlists
- Day 20: Varsity Tummy Time
- Day 21: Try On-Site Day Care
- Day 22: He’s Got the Whole World
- Day 23: Make a Splash
- Day 24: Up-Down Walking Tour
- Day 25: Smell New Scents
- Day 26: Busy Bee
- Day 27: What Type of Family Are You?
- Day 28: Energy-Boosting Smoothies
- Day 29: Visual Discovery; Join a Local Music & Movement Class
- Day 30: Clothesline Sensory Adventure;
- Day 31: Wall Mural
4 Months Old
- Day 1: Rattle Choice
- Day 2: Mirror Magic
- Day 3: Humpty Dumpty
- Day 4: Playback; The Grand Old Duke of York
- Day 5: Grab and Scrunch; Many Mobiles
- Day 6: Footprint Plaque; Introduce Family Traditions
- Day 7: Where’s Bear?; Jack and Jill Go Up the Hill
- Day 8: Get Out and About; Toys That Light Up
- Day 9: Introducing “In” and “Out”
- Day 10: Quick Change Baby; Can You Move Like Baby?
- Day 11: Extra Large Family Photo Album
- Day 12: Feed the Ducks
- Day 13: Draw Your Baby’s Family Tree
- Day 14: Ready to Clap
- Day 15: What Happens Next?
- Day 16: Play the Name Game
- Day 17: Change of Face
- Day 18: Car Picture Game; Diaper-Free Time
- Day 19: Natural Mimic
- Day 20: Baby Felt Play; Colorful Scarf Circle
- Day 21: Take Peekaboo to a New Dimension
- Day 22: Roly-Poly Game
- Day 23: Larger Board Books
- Day 24: Keep Hugging
- Day 25: Baby’s View
- Day 26: Start Naming Colors
- Day 27: Name Check
- Day 28: Have a Change of Scene
- Day 29: Enjoy Some Downtime Together
- Day 30: Bumping Noses
- Day 31: Go On a Nature Trail
5 Months Old
- Day 1: Change the Scenery
- Day 2: Bubble Bottle
- Day 3: Pelvic Lifts with Baby on Board
- Day 4: One Too Many
- Day 5: Meet the Animals
- Day 6: Daily Read; Idle Time
- Day 7: Visit a Home Store or Show
- Day 8: Mirrored Action Song
- Day 9: Apple Fingers (and More Food Exploration)
- Day 10: The Wheels on the Bus
- Day 11: Yes and No
- Day 12: Jack-in-the-Box
- Day 13: Who’s That Baby?
- Day 14: Exercise Outdoors
- Day 15: Bedtime Tape
- Day 16: Boomerang Toy; Messy Play
- Day 17: Tickly Toes
- Day 18: All Fall Down
- Day 19: Shadow Show
- Day 20: Exploring Taste & Texture
- Day 21: Go to the Zoo
- Day 22: Give Your Baby a Massage
- Day 23: Bubbles and Squirty Water
- Day 24: Form an Impromptu Band
- Day 25: Dropping Game
- Day 26: Have a Play Date at Home
- Day 27: Play the Pots and Pans
- Day 28: Where, Oh Where…
- Day 29: Screen Scream!
- Day 30: Game of Soccer
- Day 31: Bath-Time Fun!
6 Months Old
- Day 1: Mirror Play
- Day 2: Learning to Reach
- Day 3: Animal Magic; Dance to Different Tunes
- Day 4: Whirling Toy Windmill
- Day 5: Arrange a Toy Swap
- Day 6: Add to Your Repertoire
- Day 7: Airplanes; When Baby Grabs the Spoon
- Day 8: Felt Board Story Time
- Day 9: Baker’s Baby
- Day 10: Travis vs. Veronika; Set the Alarm
- Day 11: Balancing on a Ball
- Day 12: More Piggy Toes; Make a Father’s Or Mother’s Day Gift
- Day 13: Start a News Book
- Day 14: Mind Your Manners
- Day 15: Instant Replay
- Day 16: Humpty Dumpty Goes Round the Garden
- Day 17: Sitting Up Ball Games
- Day 18: Peace Hug
- Day 19: Name Familiar Sounds
- Day 20: Include Yourself in Photos; Morning Exercise
- Day 21: Sing in a Silly Voice
- Day 22: Water Play
- Day 23: Jell-O Hands; Treasure Basket
- Day 24: Snowstorm; Ask Direct Questions
- Day 25: Bath Time Foam Blocks; Feel the Wind
- Day 26: Reverse Peekaboo; Mr. Moon
- Day 27: Secret Treat; Horsey Ride
- Day 28: Take a Texture Trip; Babble with Baby
- Day 29: New Switch-It Game; Have Breakfast Together
- Day 30: Mini Gym
- Day 31: Make a Weekly Survival Hit List
7 Months Old
- Day 1: Building Familiarity
- Day 2: Personal Picture Book
- Day 3: Together Time; Play with Finger People
- Day 4: Take Turns
- Day 5: Swing Rhythm; Play with a Pom-Pom
- Day 6: Start Swimming
- Day 7: Introduce Books with Texture and Noise
- Day 8: Try a Hike with a Carrier; Hands Day
- Day 9: Take a Train Ride; This Is the Way…
- Day 10: Exaggerate Your Facial Expressions
- Day 11: Grocery Store Game; Squishy Art Play
- Day 12: Foot Day; Starring Role
- Day 13: Look Before You Leap
- Day 14: Scrunchy Sock
- Day 15: Animal Diaper Time
- Day 16: Learning to Point
- Day 17: Vary Story Time
- Day 18: Seek Out the Squeak
- Day 19: Fabric + Wipes Container
- Day 20: Pasta Play
- Day 21: Dine on Roasted Finger-Foods
- Day 22: Create Your Baby’s First Fort
- Day 23: Off-Peak Play; Simple Shower
- Day 24: Jell-O Sensory Activity
- Day 25: Dinner Games with Baby
- Day 26: Ears Day
- Day 27: Nose Day; Wooden Block Towers
- Day 28: Clapping Songs
- Day 29: Rocking Horse Ride
- Day 30: Dressing with a Point
- Day 31: Take a Mini Break; Rainbow Breadcrumb Edible Sensory Tray
8 Months Old
- Day 1: Getting Used to Other Babies
- Day 2: Indoor Sandbox Edible Sensory Bin
- Day 3: In and Out Games
- Day 4: Rock ‘n’ Roll
- Day 5: Reply to Your Baby
- Day 6: Banana Talk
- Day 7: Baby Squats and Mama Bench Presses
- Day 8: Make Your Baby Laugh
- Day 9: Wave Bye-Bye
- Day 10: Kiss Chase
- Day 11: Make a Natural Wind Chime
- Day 12: Make Handprint Keepsakes
- Day 13: Mood Enhancer: Play in the Grass
- Day 14: Take a Trip to the Playground
- Day 15: Increase Baby’s Vocabulary: Onomatopoeia
- Day 16: Never-Ending Scarves
- Day 17: Saying Hello for the First Time; Indoor Hide-and-Seek
- Day 18: Mango Popsicles
- Day 19: Continue Your Journey Together
- Day 20: Maraca Music
- Day 21: Puppet Play
- Day 22: This Little Piggy… and Rabbit?
- Day 23: “Cooking” with Flour; Ding-a-Ling
- Day 24: Make a Sensations Rug
- Day 25: Outdoor Peekaboo
- Day 26: Story Time with a Twist
- Day 27: Baby’s First Tunnel
- Day 28: Rearrange Your Kitchen Cupboard
- Day 29: Bottle-Top Mobile
- Day 30: You Did It!
- Day 31: Music is Hiding
9 Months Old
- Day 1: Serve a Picnic Breakfast
- Day 2: Make a Seesaw for a Teddy Bear
- Day 3: Moving Objects
- Day 4: Teddy Bear’s Picnic
- Day 5: Bring Out the Baby Bathtub; More or All Done?
- Day 6: Create a Water Garden for a Budding Gardener
- Day 7: Ocean Bottle
- Day 8: Safe to Explore
- Day 9: Dropping Objects; Pick Which Bowl
- Day 10: Share the Chores; Community Matters
- Day 11: Shape-Sorting Puzzles
- Day 12: Baby-Friendly Ice Sensory Activity
- Day 13: Young Musician; Go Get It
- Day 14: I Spy Adjectives
- Day 15: Quick Make & Play Edible Sensory Bottle
- Day 16: Make a Noise
- Day 17: Suitcase Sandbox
- Day 18: Summer Baby Field Trips; Express Emotions
- Day 19: Refresh Your Wardrobe
- Day 20: Crawl Space Race
- Day 21: Baby’s Song
- Day 22: Naptime Chill Out
- Day 23: Share a Special Snack
- Day 24: Add Sounds to Feelings
- Day 25: Summer Water with Baby
- Day 26: Baby Pull-Ups
- Day 27: Develop Your Baby’s Taste Buds
- Day 28: Tube Talk
- Day 29: Sticky Toys
- Day 30: Pudding Painting
- Day 31: Create a Sensory Tunnel
10 Months Old
- Day 1: 3 Baby Obstacle Courses;
- Day 2: Arrange a Musical Playdate
- Day 3: Laundry in the Fast Lane
- Day 4: Exploring the Night Sky
- Day 5: Make a Night Sky Mobile
- Day 6: Fee Fi Fo Fum; Beat to the Rhythm
- Day 7: Telephone Talk; It’s a Goal!
- Day 8: Spoons and Cups in the Tub
- Day 9: Little Chef
- Day 10: Textured Sensory Wall; Stuck Together
- Day 11: Out and About
- Day 12: Sorting and Swapping
- Day 13: Hide-and-Seek
- Day 14: Four Senses Sensory Fun; Splash Zone
- Day 15: Unwrap; Roly-Poly Pictures
- Day 16: Bouncing Monkey
- Day 17: Shall I Pour?
- Day 18: Baby Oil Sensory Bag; Boom!
- Day 19: Shoot and Splash; Memory Game
- Day 20: Play Dough Sensory Bag
- Day 21: Floor Art; Stacking Rings
- Day 22: Learning About Feelings; Texture Track
- Day 23: Color Hunt; Let’s Go Fly a Kite
- Day 24: Social Baby
- Day 25: Bonding with Family
- Day 26: Flashing Colors; Helping Out
- Day 27: Developmental Bath Toys; Copycat Doing Dishes
- Day 28: I Spot; Sleepy Stretches
- Day 29: Cruise Control; Classic Beating on Pots & Pans
- Day 30: Finger-Paint Art; Food Faces
- Day 31: Light Chaser; Create a Photo Scrapbook
11 Months Old
- Day 1: Make a Story Time Fort
- Day 2: Display Shelf; Silly Hats
- Day 3: Croquet for Crawlers
- Day 4: Hidden Treasure; Make Your Own Soft Play Area
- Day 5: Wooden Puzzles
- Day 6: Board of Curiosities; Go to the Fair
- Day 7: Bear Hugs
- Day 8: Chalk Drawings; Mirror Dance
- Day 9: Clapping Games; Calming Sensory Play
- Day 10: Think Outside the Gender Toy Box
- Day 11: Foam Sheet Bath
- Day 12: Homemade Playdough
- Day 13: Little Helper
- Day 14: Plan a Treat; Hand Over Hand
- Day 15: Rhythm Sticks; Hide the Ball Memory Game
- Day 16: Bubbles on the Breeze; Make a Mailbox
- Day 17: Toppling Tower; Picture This, Sing That
- Day 18: Socialize Online
- Day 18: When You Do This, I Do That
- Day 19: Counting Fish
- Day 20: Baby Food Jar Play; Car Tracks in Baby Food
- Day 21: Make Binoculars
- Day 22: Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes
- Day 23: Learn to Blow; Squish Bags
- Day 24: Set Up a Book Corner
- Day 25: Colored Foods
- Day 26: Shape Sounds and Have a Chat
- Day 27: Hands of Love
- Day 28: Paper Spinner; First Birthday Silhouette
- Day 29: Feely Bags; Take a Sled Ride
- Day 30: Personalize Your Baby’s Space;
- Day 31: Birthday Celebration