Where Is It? Bye-Bye!

Materials You Need: A few small items or toys from your home

What You Can Do Together: At this age, your child is learning to “say” what he means by using his hands and making gestures. You may notice your baby doing this. You can have fun with a little game to encourage your baby to use these kinds of gestures. Begin by showing your baby a small item or toy. Say, “Oh, here is your doll. Where did it go?” (put the doll somewhere your baby cannot reach). Point to the doll and say: “There he is!” See if your baby also points at it! Then bring the doll back and do it again as long as your child is interested. You can add another gesture by saying “Tell your doll “Bye, bye!” and wave your hand. Guide your baby to wave also: “Bye-bye, doll!” 

When your child uses gestures on his own (for example, he might point to some food you have prepared), you can say things like “Yes, you see the bananas! Would you like to have some banana?” You’re showing that you understand your baby’s communication.

What Your Child Is Learning: Gestures have meaning, and so using them is part of your baby’s language and communication development. He is also learning that when he tries to communicate, you respond. This is like an early conversation. These connections also help strengthen your bonds with your baby and support social and emotional development.