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.
