Baby's First Skills: 4-5 months - An update

Zoë Grace and I have now been doing these activities for a few days, so I thought I'd give you an update! (She also turns 5 months on Tuesday so we'll be moving on to the next chapter...)

Talking (7 mins)

• Puff and blow - Zoë loves it when I blow on her tummy! I've been blowing raspberries and making her smile loads. (She's not yet managed a vocal giggle but the feeling is there.) This activity has also helped me learn the describe and demonstrate technique.
• Hubble bubble - We've had great fun playing with bubbles in the bath (well, I did anyway!) and I have bought her a pot of bubbles, but we haven't played with them yet. We can do that tomorrow.

Moving (20 mins)

• Bathtime fun - During bathtime and swimming lessons we have been practising kicking and splashing - it won't be long til she is able to do that herself!
• Floor flying - This activity was very amusing! Both of us lay on the floor on our tummies, arms out to the side and then lifted our heads to look at each other. We also tried lifting our legs (in a sky-diving shape). I could feel my tummy muscles working hard!
• Horsing around - Zoë has enjoyed sitting on my knees and pretending they're a horse! I do need to learn the nursery rhymes to go with this activity which will make it much more fun.

Hands (12 mins)

• Touch and feel - Not really explored this activity much, but we have read a few books with different textures and touchy-feely pages. Need to source some opposite textures.
• Bathtime fun - As above!
• Play bracelets - I was dubious about purchasing noisy bracelets and their usefulness, but gave in when I found a set in Tesco for not much money. Zoë has loved them! And they have really helped her to work out that she can make noises happen by moving her arms. So, all in all a good purchase. :)

Mind (12 mins)

• Yes and no - Not really done anything on this activity. I need to get my head round it more!
• Baby brain teaser - Not done this one either! I need to make some cards - will get on it tomorrow.
• Peep-bo - We've enjoyed playing this game and Zoë is getting used to the phrase "where's Mummy/Zoë?"

Friendliness (7 mins)

• Baby massage - We've done this a little bit, but I kept planning on doing it at bedtime and Zoë has been very tired so we've had to miss it out.
• Hands and fingers - I've had to teach myself Round and round the garden and Tommy thumb, but it's been really enjoyable.

After just a few days I have really enjoyed this book and am reassured that I am doing the right stuff with Zoë Grace. It's great to have ideas and activities to do with her on a one-to-one basis which are helping her develop as well. We are looking forward to finding out what our activities will be next month. :)