0-1 Month activities
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- 0-1 Months
Hang the Munnari mobile above your baby’s crib or play area, positioning it about 12 inches above them, so they can comfortably see the high-contrast black and white shapes. Make sure the mobile is securely fastened. Gently spin the mobile or let it move naturally in the air to catch the baby’s attention. Munnari mobile is made using high-contrast black-and-white geometric shapes like circles and squares. These shapes are attached to strings and hung from a lightweight frame, placed above the baby’s crib or play area
Intelligence:
Visual
Skills:
Cognitive
Frequency:
Every waking hour
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): The purpose of the Munnari mobile is to encourage visual tracking and focus. Babies in their early months are more responsive to high-contrast patterns, and the black and white shapes help to stimulate and develop their visual system
Special tips: Make sure the mobile moves slowly, as rapid movement can be overwhelming. Position the mobile within the baby's field of vision, adjusting as they grow and develop better control over eye movement.
Place your baby on his back with bare feet. Gently hold one leg and, using your other hand, press the flat part of your thumbnail along the outer sole of your baby's foot, starting from the heel and moving toward the toe. Observe the baby’s response and repeat the process on the other foot. You can say "touch" each time to engage the baby's auditory senses and strengthen communication.
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Cognitive
Frequency:
10 times daily approx. 30 seconds
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): This method helps assess the Babinski reflex while fostering early parent-child interaction.
Special tips: None
Cradle your baby in your arms or place them comfortably on their back. Gently cover one eye and shine a flashlight into the other eye from about six to eight inches away. Watch for the pupil to constrict (it should take around a second). Wait five seconds in the dark, then switch to the other eye and repeat the process, alternating between the two eyes. Do it 5 times for each eye
Intelligence:
Visual
Skills:
Cognitive
Frequency:
10 times daily approx. 60 seconds
Material:
flashlight
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): This helps assess your baby’s eye response to light, supporting early visual development.
Special tips: Be gentle and use a soft flashlight that isn’t too bright. Try this in a Dark room for better results.(Consult your Dr. before performing this)
Place your baby on his back where you can easily see his face. Smile and tell them, "Now you are going to hear blocks!" Hold two blocks about two feet away and bang them together loudly once. Watch your baby’s reaction. After three seconds, repeat the sound, and observe again. Do this a third time, always saying "blocks" when you bang them together. After you're done, ask your baby questions like "Did you like the blocks?" or make playful comments like "Is Mommy banging those blocks again?"
Intelligence:
Language
Skills:
Communication
Frequency:
10 times daily for 10 seconds
Material:
Two Blocks
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): This activity helps develop auditory awareness and teaches your baby to associate sounds with objects and words.
Special tips: Make the moment playful and fun. Keep it light-hearted and use expressive facial cues to engage your baby.
"Hold your baby in your arms, with one hand supporting the back of his head and the other hand holding their bottom. Gently move him around the house, talking softly and describing everything around. Move the baby in different directions (up, down, side to side) and let them look out the window, describing the outdoor scenes as well."
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This activity provides vestibular stimulation by moving the baby through space, which supports balance and spatial awareness. It enhances language development as the baby listens to your voice and begins to associate words with objects and environments."
Special tips: "Keep movements smooth and gentle to make the baby feel secure and comfortable. Talk to your baby in simple phrases, using names of familiar objects and surroundings to build early vocabulary"
"Lie on your back and gently hold the baby under their arms, supporting their torso. Raise them up so you are eye-to-eye, engaging them with your facial expressions. Slowly move the baby to the right, left, up, and down while maintaining eye contact"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "Encourages visual focus and helps the baby track movement, supporting early spatial awareness. Strengthens bonding between parent and child through eye contact and interaction. Provides gentle vestibular stimulation as the baby experiences movement in different directions"
Special tips: "Keep movements slow and steady to help your baby feel secure. Make funny faces or talk to your baby during the activity to keep them engaged and entertained."
Sit in a rocking chair with the baby sitting on your lap and rock back and forth with the baby.
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "Provides soothing vestibular stimulation, which helps develop your baby's sense of balance and motion. Promotes emotional bonding through physical closeness and a comforting rhythm. Helps with relaxation and can calm a fussy baby, easing them into sleep"
Special tips: "Pair the rocking with a gentle lullaby or soft humming to enhance the calming effect. Ensure the rocking motion is gentle and slow to avoid overstimulation"
"Place your baby on their belly on a soft pillow or small mat on the floor or bed. Gently lift one side of the pillow to rock the baby to the right, then switch and rock the baby to the left"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "Encourages tummy time, which helps strengthen your baby's neck and core muscles, supporting physical development. Stimulates the vestibular system, which enhances balance and coordination"
Special tips: "Ensure the baby is comfortable and supervised at all times. Use a pillow that is firm yet soft to avoid discomfort, and adjust the rocking motion depending on the baby’s comfort level."
"Position the baby on a soft pillow, with their head toward one hand and feet toward the other. Gently rock the baby forward and backward by alternately lifting and lowering the ends of the pillow"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This activity helps develop your baby’s balance and body awareness by stimulating the vestibular system. It strengthens core muscles and encourages early motor skills development"
Special tips: "Ensure that the baby’s head and body are well-supported. Use smooth, slow motions to maintain comfort and safety. Talk to your baby during the activity, using soothing phrases to create a calming experience."
"Place a soft pillow on the floor and lay your baby on their belly on the pillow. Position the baby with their head near one of your hands and feet near the other. Gently pull the pillow to move the baby forward, then reverse the motion by pulling the other side to move the baby backward. Using the same pillow or mat, rotate the baby so that is facing you. Slide the mat to the right and then to left so that the baby experiences side-to-side movement"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This exercise stimulates vestibular development by engaging the baby’s sense of balance through motion. It helps improve muscle coordination and spatial awareness as the baby experiences different directions of movement"
Special tips: "Make sure the baby’s head is supported, and the motion is gentle to ensure comfort. Talk to your baby or use calming sounds during the activity to enhance sensory engagement."
"Lay your baby on their belly on a soft pillow or mat, positioning them so their head is near the edge of the pillow. Gently grab the edge of the pillow near their feet and slowly rotate the baby clockwise. Repeat the process but this time rotate the baby counter clockwise"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This activity helps develop the baby's vestibular system, which is responsible for balance and spatial orientation. It strengthens muscle coordination and enhances body awareness as the baby experiences controlled rotational motion."
Special tips: "Keep the movements slow and steady to ensure the baby remains comfortable. Talk to the baby during the activity to add a layer of verbal stimulation and reassurance"
"Position 1 (Belly-Down): While standing, place your baby belly-down over your shoulder. Gently spin in one direction for a few seconds, then reverse and spin in the opposite direction. Position 2 (Left-Side): Place the baby on their left side on your right shoulder. Spin gently in both directions. Position 3 (Right-Side): Place the baby on their right side on your left shoulder and repeat the gentle spinning in both directions."
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This activity helps stimulate the vestibular system, which is important for developing balance and spatial awareness. It also enhances muscle strength and coordination, as the baby experiences different positions and movements"
Special tips: "Be mindful of your own balance to ensure safety. Keep the movements slow and smooth to avoid dizziness for both you and the baby. Always monitor the baby's comfort and stop if they seem uneasy or overstimulated."
"Kneel down and place the baby on his back on a soft mat, with his feet towards you.
Gently place your hands under the baby’s arms, supporting his neck with your fingers around his back.
Slowly lift him up to eye level, making sure his neck is well supported.
After a few seconds, gently lower him back down to the mat."
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "This activity strengthens neck muscles and upper body control as the baby practices holding his head up. It encourages eye contact and helps build a stronger emotional connection through close interaction."
Special tips: "Keep the movement slow and smooth to avoid startling the baby.
Maintain eye contact and speak softly to the baby while lifting to make it an enjoyable experience."
"Lay your baby on his back on a soft surface. Kneel at the baby’s feet so they lightly touch your knees. Place your left thumb in the baby’s right hand—he will automatically grasp it. Gently say “Pull” and carefully pull your left hand so that your baby rolls onto his left side and then onto his belly. Repeat the process using your right thumb in the baby’s left hand, encouraging him to roll onto his right side and then his belly. Alternate between the two sides to ensure even movement on both sides of the body"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "Encourages motor development by helping the baby practice rolling, strengthening core muscles, and enhancing coordination. Promotes body awareness by introducing the baby to movements that involve turning and shifting weight."
Special tips: "Always ensure the baby's arm is in a comfortable position to prevent strain while rolling. Keep the movement gentle, and provide verbal encouragement during the activity."
"Hold your new-born close to your body, allowing him to rest snugly against you as you move around. Walk slowly around the house, making gentle up-and-down movements while supporting his head and body"
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
once daily for 45 seconds-1min
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): "Provides physical comfort through close contact, enhancing bonding between you and your baby. Helps your baby feel secure and calm by experiencing gentle, rhythmic movements. As the baby’s vision develops, he will start to observe and track the moving environment around him, aiding visual stimulation."
Special tips: "Speak softly to your baby during this activity, describing the surroundings to stimulate his auditory development. Use a baby carrier to maintain close contact while keeping your hands free."
"Position the Baby: Lay the baby on their back, facing you. Finger Placement: Place your right index finger in their left hand and your left index finger in their right hand. Gentle Pull: Slowly pull the baby towards you to elicit their grasp reflex. Verbal Cue: Say ""grasp"" clearly to associate the word with the action. Maintain Grasp: Allow the baby to hold your fingers for a few seconds. Praise and Release: Gently lower the baby back, praise their effort, and remove your fingers."
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
10 times daily for 10 to 60 seconds
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): To encourage the development of the grasp reflex and to help the baby associate the action with the word "grasp
Special tips: "Ensure the baby is comfortable and relaxed during the exercise. Use a clear and cheerful tone when praising to create a positive association. Repeat the exercise regularly to reinforce learning."
Place the baby and his soft blanket or play mat in whatever room you are working, not only to watch over and protect the baby but to talk to him and encourage him to move and explore his world. At this stage your family should live on the floor with the baby as much as possible. He should not feel abandoned when he is on the floor. Even though he may not be able to see, hear, and feel very well at this point, he does have the ability to sense your presence or absence.
Intelligence:
Bodily physical
Skills:
Physical
Frequency:
10 times daily for 10-30 seconds
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): Providing maximum opportunity to move arms and legs in the prone position
Special tips: "Use a warm, encouraging tone to reassure the baby. Make floor time a family activity whenever possible. Be mindful that the baby senses your presence, even if they can't see or hear you clearly."
From birth, get into the habit of talking to your baby about what’s happening in the moment. Even though they can’t talk, they are listening. Babies up to two years old best understand what is happening right now. For example, say, "I’m changing your diaper" or "I’m lifting you up, Now you are going down
Intelligence:
Language
Skills:
Communication
Frequency:
Every waking hour (whenever possible)
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): Listening to correct speech is the first step towards linguistic intelligence.
Special tips: If you or your friends speak a foreign language that you'd like your child to learn, encourage its use in talking to baby. Linguistic patterns starts early. Don't over stimulate baby in the first few months by talking too loudly. Communicate at your normal volume
Select unobtrusive music and play in background. Include music from your own cultural background
Intelligence:
Music
Skills:
Cognitive
Frequency:
Whenever possible
Material:
None
Purpose (How it helps your child to learn): he'll develop an early love of music and also develop "perfect pitch". Sing, hum or dance along with the music so he associates it with enjoyment
Special tips: Anything that isn't too loud or jarring will do