By eighteen months of age, your baby should be able to name most of his or her body parts. Here are some ideas and fun games to play that will encourage this learning.
Start with the basics
Facial features are the most fascinating things to your baby, so they are good places to start when teaching body parts. The nose, the eyes, the mouth and the ears are all easily recognizable and accessible. Hands and feet also seem easy for most babies to learn first.
Play the where is it game
Start with one body part, such as the nose, and point it out to your baby. Ask, “Where’s your nose?” Once you baby can point or touch his or her nose then ask, “Where’s Mommy’s nose?” and “Where’s Daddy’s nose?” Babies are usually very interested in themselves but may not grasp that other people’s noses are also called noses.
Body part songs
Take the opportunity to sing body name songs or even make up new ones on your own. “Head, shoulders, knees and toes” is a good one. You can do the little dance that goes with it. Another way to sing about body parts with some finger play as you pretend a lady bug, butterfly or worm is landing on your baby’s belly, arm, leg, etc.
Name all of the parts
Don’t only concentrate on the easy body parts, but take the opportunity to name all of your baby’s parts. The foot or belly button are always gigglers for baby, but also point out your baby’s knee, chin, etc. While diapering, use proper names for your baby’s genitalia, such as penis and vulva or vagina. As your baby grows, talk to him or her about gender. Don’t be surprised if your baby repeats these names in public, proudly announcing, “Daddy has a penis.” This is natural, although embarrassing.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.
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