Experienced moms have found that playing with their baby is not only a great way to bond and have fun; it’s also an important way for her to learn about the world around her. The games toddlers play help their development in many ways; here are some fun activities to play with your baby to help her learn and grow:

Action games like ring-around-the-rosy help develop muscle coordination and balance, while rolling a ball with your child helps with hand-eye coordination.

Naming games like “Where is baby’s foot/nose/belly?” build language skills by helping your little one match words with objects. Pointing to pictures in a book does the same thing.

Hiding and finding games like peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek help tots with their ability to separate from their parents, and also teach them that objects still exist even when they’re not in front of them.

Repetition games, especially with music and songs, helps toddlers develop their memory and connect word meanings with movements.

Imaginative play helps tots explore their feelings and learn proper behavior, which is a great start to helping them play with and get along with others.