Bubbles are a fun activity for curious babies, and the games you play can support their learning and development too!
Games like this help your baby learn to track objects with their eyes. They become more aware of shape and texture, and reaching for the bubbles helps develop muscle control and coordination. The conversations you have as you play together, and the repetitive language you use will support language development too.
For babies:
- Gently blow some bubbles near your baby. Be careful they don’t get in their eyes.
- Sit with your baby and point at the bubbles. Practice tracking them with your finger. This helps your baby’s eyes and coordination develop.
- You can try making popping noises when they pop.
- Repeat words to support your baby's understanding: bubble, pop, more, gone.
- Notice how your baby responds to the new sights and sounds.
- Wait for them to look back at you before you blow more bubbles, and ask them if they want more bubbles this will encourage your baby to communicate with you.
For toddlers:
- Gently blow some bubbles near your child. Be careful they don’t get in their eyes.
- Encourage your child to follow and try to catch the bubbles as they float.
- Encourage them to repeat the words you use as you play, for example; pop, up, down, gone, got it, more, lots.
- Let your child have a go at blowing bubbles themselves. Encourage them to take turns with you; your turn, my turn.
- Count how many bubbles you make, or how many are left.
Good to know
Blowing bubbles can help to develop your baby’s facial muscles, as they form the mouth shape needed for blowing. This can help with forming some letter sounds, such as oo and w when they begin to talk.
