Snuzzler

If you’re wondering whether to talk to, pick up or cuddle your baby, this is the book for you! Seriously, I have no idea for whom this book might be useful. Some of the “games” in the 12-18-month-old section include cuddling your baby and giving him/her a toy to play with while you change his/her diaper.   Are there really parents out there who would not think of doing those things?  It’s actually a little scary. 

Apparently there are a series of these by the same author, for different age groups.  I will not be reading those.  Don’t even bother checking this one out from the library… it’s that useless.

Pros:  Nice photography?  I can’t think of much else.

Cons:  All of it. 

Excellent resource not only for age-and situation-specific baby activities, but also great ideas for family-related activities to do when baby is napping (as if you didn’t already have enough to do– still). Much better than many of the other “baby games” books out there.

Pros:  Lots of ideas covering a large scope of interests.

Cons: Like a lot of baby game books, tends to skew a little older.  Don’t be alarmed if your baby/ toddler is only ready for activities designated in the book as being for a child younger than he is. 

Baby Days  on Amazon.com.

This is a nice collection of games, divided by age and then by category (Word Play, Water Play, Art, Movement, etc.).  As with many of books in the baby-game oeuvre, this tend to skew a little older, so an actual 12-month old may not be able to do or understand many of the games listed in the 12-to-15-month-old chapter.  That’s no problem, though… just go a chapter down!  Psychologically this is tough on parents, though, who might start to question their child’s developmental capabilities. 

This is one that I definitely plan to buy, as the games and songs actually seem fun and the reference goes up to three years– though I’m sure many of the games could be played and used for a much longer time. 

Pros:  Lots of good ideas that are both baby- and parent-friendly, most of which are inexpensive or free.  She provides ideas for keeping things open and adaptable.  I see a lot of Montessori-themed play in here.

Cons:  No music listed for the songs.  That would be helpful to have.  She does list song origins, though, and that is nice.  Some of her ideas are a little old-school, but those parts can be skipped or modified to suit your parenting philosophy.

The Baby Games: The Joyful Guide to Child’s Play from Birth to Three Years  on Amazon.com.