This activity may satisfy your baby's desire to imitate Mom and Dad – and give a fun first lesson in what it feels like to care for someone else.

Appropriate for: 11 months to 2 years
Skills developed: Fine motor, nurturing
What you'll need: A doll, a diaper

Put a diaper on a doll or stuffed animal, then help your child "change Dolly's diaper." He or she may be able to remove the diaper alone and put a new one in place, or you can offer some help. Hand your child a wipe to clean Dolly up, help fasten the new diaper, and finally your child and his or her dolly can head back to play. (You can use the diapers on your child later so they don't go to waste.)