Babies love to play, and you can initiate simple, fun games in the early months to encourage him to interact as a happy social being. Again, these games are simple and usually require few 'props'. Do not throw your baby into the air or pull him by one arm as these activities could couse harm.

• A newborn baby will focus on your face at a distance of about 20-30cm (8-12in), so hold him there while you chat or sing to sim. From around three months, he will be able to focus on objects further away, so you are no longer restricted to face-to-face games. He is now ready to enjoy mimicking games. Try poking your tongue out at him, and watch as he attempts to do the same. It's also fun copying your baby's 'goo-ing' and 'gaa-ing' and then hearing his response.

• The older baby might love to play with noisy items that can be hit or pushed.

• Mobiles are popular for many reasons. They give your baby something to look at, especially if they are brightly coloured.and feature avariety of shapes. for the younger baby, a mobile with a contrasting black, white and red pattern helps him to distinguish between colours.

• Gently jiggle your baby on your knee, while singing simple songs or reciting nursery rhymes.

• 'Peek-a-boo' is as popular as ever, and even though you may become boredwith the repetitive nature of this game, your baby will love seeing you cover your face again and again and again once he makes the connection that you're only hiding behind you hands.

• It's very important to encourage healthy physical contact between you and your baby. Lots of cuddles and gently stroking reinforce the fact that he is safe and loved. Blowing raspberries at your baby is also a lovely way to make a physical contact in a playful context. Blow them on his tummy or in the nape of his neck and enjoy his delighted response. At around three months, try ticking his toes.

• Also around three month, or once your baby can be seatedcomfortably in an inclined position in the stroller, take him on lots of walks to view the wider world.

• Your baby will be mesmerized by his reflection from around four months. Prop him up with pillows in front of a full length mirror, so he can wonder who that other baby is!

• Because your baby will place most items in his mouth, an effective method of exploring objects, from the age of four to six months keep a supply of clean, safe teething toys such as large plastic keys on plastic ring and squeezy plastic blocks.

• Give your older baby everyday objects - such as spoons, plastic plates and cups - to play with so he becomes familiar with them.

• Try games which progress like a short story with a beginning, middle and climax. These include 'This Little Piggy' and 'Round and Round the Garden'. For a happy response, walk your fingers up your baby's tummy and tickle him under the chin.

• Babies love colourful board books, especially if they are very tactile.

• Read to your baby to lay the foundations of literacy early.

• Talk to your baby and be amazed at his delighted reaction as he attempts to 'talk' back.

Toys choice: