Your baby is probably exploring objects by shaking them, banging them, dropping them, and throwing them before falling back on the tried-and-true method of gumming them. The idea that you do something to an object is becoming clear, so an activity center with lots of things your baby can bang, poke, twist, squeeze, shake, drop, and open may be perfect now.  

This is the stage when babies are fascinated with toys that have specific functions, such as play phones. If your baby can't hold one up to his or her ear without help, lend a hand and pretend to have a conversation.

Your baby may like to see things fall down, get picked up (by you, of course), and then get thrown down again. This isn't intended to drive you mad. Your baby just finds the spectacle interesting and naturally wants to see it again and again.

Related Items 20 fun, silly, development-boosting games to play with your baby Play: Why it's so important