Activities

As they grow and develop sing nursery rhymes and make up songs. Babies enjoy repetitive sounds and rhythm.

Tummy time activities during the first few months will encourage your baby to practice using their arms and legs and helps to strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles.

You could lie down on the floor next to them so they can see your face. Never leave your baby alone during tummy time.

It is important to say their name when you speak to your child. Focus on giving them your full attention and show interest in what they are interested in.

At 6 months start to introduce solid foods and use of a free flow or open beaker. This and stopping the dummy will help your child’s speech and language to develop.

Limit screen time and monitor the TV whenever it is on. Choose programmes that are not too busy or confusing. Sit and talk about the things that you have seen, for example the farmer driving the tractor.

Introduce your child to stimulating groups you will find these run by local groups, Staffordshire libraries, Stoke on Trent Libraries or Staffordshire Children’s centre. Attending baby and toddler groups is a great way of promoting your child’s social development and speech and language and also allows you as parents/carers to get to know others, which could prove to be a supportive network to you.

Childrens Centres

Childrens centres run sessions for children and parents. They have regular activities taking place.

Libraries

Staffordshire Libraries hold a range of different sessions each week. Baby Bounce and Rhyme sessions are held in most Staffordshire Libraries. These sessions actively encourage loud singing, jangling of musical instruments and roaring (if a lion is seen!). Free and fun, these sessions are a great way for parents to make new friends and help their under 5s develop language and communication skills through nursery rhymes and songs.

Stoke on Trent Libraries offer a range of activities:

Singing Bears – free weekly rhyme sessions in all libraries
Bouncing Bears – free weekly sessions for active toddlers in selected libraries, comprising music, movement, stories and rhymes
Story Bears – free weekly story sessions in selected libraries
Early Years ad-hoc events held across libraries

Activities can be booked on Facebook or online