Let's Play! Diaper Dolly & Water "Coloring"

1.Diaper Dolly

A baby's penchant for "monkey see, monkey do" can add a cheery dimension to diaper changes — a fun first lesson in what it feels like to care for someone else.

Skills developed: fine motor, nurturing
What you'll need: a doll with easily removable clothes

Buy or make a doll with simple, removable clothes (preferably including a diaper) so your baby can change her dolly while you change her. (Of course, this will be easier for her when she's older, but even at this age she can remove a simple Velcro-ed diaper and possibly a shirt or dress, and what she can't get off you can take off for her.) Give her a square of toilet paper to wipe her doll's bottom while she's being cleaned up, and finally, your baby and her dolly can get dressed together and head back to play.

2.Water "Coloring"

When it's a beautiful day and you and your baby need some fresh air, try this simple activity. It'll keep an older baby engrossed for a surprising amount of time and develop all the fine motor skills of painting (without the mess).

Skills developed: hand-eye coordination
What you'll need: some inexpensive paintbrushes, a plastic bowl, and water

Outdoors, fill the bowl with water and give your baby several real paintbrushes — either bristle or foam is fine. Set him up so he's sitting in front of a wall or low piece of outdoor furniture, such as a step stool or bench, then show him how to "paint" it with water. Never mind if the water is going everywhere but on the piece to be painted; your baby will feel very proud that he's helping you get such an important job done. (Water safety note: A young child can drown in less than an inch of liquid — so don't leave him alone for a moment with a container of water.)

Remember: Each baby develops at a different pace, so if yours isn't quite ready for this week's activities, don't worry — just try them again in a few weeks.

source from http://www.babycenter.com