13 activities
Stranger Warm-Up
Help your baby feel safe when meeting new people at their own pace.
1. When a new person arrives, keep your child on your lap or in your arms.
2. Let the new person talk to YOU while your child observes from safety.
3. After a minute, the new person can wave or offer a toy from a distance — no rushing.
... See full activity in the app
Easy
Bye-Bye Practice
Practice brief separations to build confidence that you always return.
1. During play, tell your child: "I'm going to the kitchen. I'll be right back!"
2. Step out of sight for just 5-10 seconds, then return with a smile: "I came back! I always come back!"
3. Gradually extend the time — 15 seconds, 30 seconds, one minute.
... See full activity in the app
Easy
Clap for Joy
Share excitement by clapping together when something delightful happens.
1. When something exciting happens — your child finishes a puzzle, stacks a block, or finds a toy — clap your hands: "Yay! You did it!"
2. Watch if your child claps along. At 7-9 months, many babies begin imitating clapping.
3. Clap during songs: "If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!"
... See full activity in the app
Moderate
Comfort Object
Help your baby bond with a special comfort item for self-soothing.
1. Choose a safe, soft comfort object — a small blanket, a plush lovey, or a soft cloth.
2. Include it in calming routines: hold it during feeding, tuck it next to your child during stories.
3. Offer it when your child is upset: "Here's your blankie. It's soft and cozy."
... See full activity in the app
Small soft blanket or plush lovey
Moderate
Emotion Voices
Use different vocal tones to teach your baby about feelings.
1. During play, use distinctly different voices for different emotions.
2. Happy voice (high, bright): "Wheee! That was SO fun!"
3. Surprised voice (loud gasp): "WOW! Look at that!"
... See full activity in the app
Advanced
Cuddle and Read
Hold baby close while reading a book together
1. Settle into a comfortable spot with your child on your lap or tucked into your arm.
2. Choose a short board book with bright pictures.
3. Hold the book where your child can see and touch it.
... See full activity in the app
board book
Easy
Peekaboo Blanket
Play peekaboo with a blanket for giggles and connection
1. Sit facing your child.
2. Place a light blanket or cloth over your face.
3. Say "Where did I go?"
... See full activity in the app
light blanket or cloth
Easy
Copy Cat Faces
Copy baby's facial expressions back to them
1. Sit face-to-face with your child during a calm, alert moment.
2. Watch their face closely.
3. When they make an expression — open mouth, tongue out, wide eyes — copy it exactly.
... See full activity in the app
Moderate
Safe Base Crawl
Encourage crawling away and coming back to you
1. Sit on the floor and place an interesting toy a few feet away.
2. Let your child crawl or scoot toward the toy.
3. Stay where you are and say encouraging words: "You are going to get it!"
... See full activity in the app
interesting toy
Advanced
Pat-a-Cake Play
Play pat-a-cake for social interaction and rhythm
1. Sit facing your child and take their hands gently.
2. Sing "Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man!"
3. Clap their hands together on each beat.
... See full activity in the app
Advanced
Comfort Corner
Create a consistent response when baby is upset
1. When your child cries or fusses, pick them up promptly.
2. Hold close and use a calm voice: "I hear you. I am here."
3. Try a consistent soothing sequence: hold, sway, soft voice.
... See full activity in the app
Advanced
Back and Forth Ball
Roll a ball back and forth as a simple turn-taking game
1. Sit on the floor facing your child with legs spread in a V.
2. Roll a soft ball gently toward your child.
3. Say "I am rolling it to you!"
... See full activity in the app
soft ball
Advanced
Lap Bounce Rhyme
Bounce baby on your lap to a nursery rhyme
1. Sit your child on your lap facing you.
2. Bounce your knees gently while singing a nursery rhyme.
3. Try "Humpty Dumpty" — lean your child to the side on "had a great fall."
... See full activity in the app
Easy