As your baby gets older, new sounds from unexpected places engage his or her attention. In addition, at this age your baby is starting to understand that a movement made here results in a sound made there. Coming up with novel ways to produce sound is as easy as rummaging through your kitchen cabinets.

Appropriate for: 4 to 8 months
Skills developed: Auditory
What you'll need: Various kitchen implements

Give raspberry blowing a new twist by filling a glass or a clear plastic cup with water and blowing bubbles into it with a straw. Your baby will like the sight of the bubbles and may find the noise intriguing. (Don't let your baby handle the glass or straw, though.)

Swirl a metal spatula or spoon around inside a metal bowl for another captivating sound. Crinkle some foil or waxed paper, set off the kitchen timer, or open and shut the trash can. As long as your baby is supervised, there's no reason the sounds of the kitchen shouldn't entertain him or her safely.