
Play gym Activity
Why do it?
- Baby is likely to notice their hands around now, and will be interested in looking at them.
- They will reach out for things hanging in front of them, like on a play gym.
- They may hit or grab things by accident at first, before learning to touch them on purpose.
- They’re making brain connections for using their eyes and hands together — this is the beginning of many fine motor skills they’ll develop over time.
How to do it
- You’ll need:
- 3 things baby might be interested in looking at and touching (such as a rattle, measuring spoons and a piece of fabric)
- string or ribbon
- sticky tape.
- Attach the objects to the edge of a table using the string and sticky tape.
- Position baby so their hands can touch an object.
- Wait and watch — baby will touch something by accident, and after some repetitions they’re likely to start touching deliberately.
- When they’re ready for new objects, swap the old things for new ones.
- Aim for a wide selection of materials — fabric, wood, metal, shells (check for sharp edges), as well as plastic items.
- Use tinsel down the windows, as it will sparkle.
- Balloons are good for tying onto the play gym too — but watch for out for pets or older siblings who may pop them
Using more reo Māori
Kei te aha koe? | What are you doing? |
Kei te tākaro koe? | Are you playing? |
Taritari | Wait |
Mātaki | Watch |
Titiro mai, he aha tēnei? | Look here, what’s this? |
Taputapu tākaro | Play things |
Tārewa | Hanging, dangling |
Pā | Touch |
Toro atu | Reach out |
Totoro | Reach out |
Wheriko | To sparkle, gleam |
Tatangi | To rattle |
Kei hea te | Where is the .... |
Koko | Spoon |
Ki | Key |
Pēpa | Paper |
Rīpene | Ribbon |
Anga | Shell |