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Create Simple Sound-Shakers.
Fill a small plastic bottle (empty medicine bottle with child-proof cap) with beans or rice. Let your baby shake it to make noise.
Exploring Everyday Objects.
Common household items, such as measuring spoons and measuring cups, make toys with interesting sounds and shapes. Gently dangle and shake a set of measuring spoons or measuring cups where your baby can reach or kick at them. Let your baby hold them to explore and shake, too.
Fill an empty tissue box with strips of paper. Your baby will love pulling them out. (Do not use colored newsprint or magazines; they are toxic. Never use plastic bags or wrap.)
Fun within Reach.
Safely attach a favorite toy to a side of your baby's crib, swing, or cradle chair for him to reach and grasp. Change toys frequently to give him new things to see and do.
Learning to Release Objects.
Your baby will like to throw toys to the floor. Take a little time to play this "go and fetch" game. It helps your baby to learn to release objects. Give baby a box or pan to practice dropping toys into.
Playing the Spoons.
Give your baby a spoon to grasp and chew on. It's easy to hold and feels good in the mouth. It's also great for banging, swiping, and dropping.
Adapted from ASQ-3TM User's Guide by Squires, Twombly, Bricker, & Potter. © 2009 Paul H. Brookes Publishing Co.