Between 2 and 4 months, babies are perfecting their swatting technique, and there's no more irresistible target than an unfamiliar object suspended overhead. Reaching for something – and actually making contact – helps your baby gain confidence and coordination.

Appropriate for: 2 to 6 months
Skills developed: Hand-eye coordination
What you'll need: String and some simple, light objects such as plastic measuring spoons, a ball of tinfoil, or a rattle.

Use string to dangle a rattle, a ball of foil, or a set of plastic measuring spoons just within swiping range: touchable but far enough away that your baby can't accidentally grab hold of it and yank it down. (Just in case, make sure you use objects that can't be choked on – a good rule of thumb is to avoid anything small enough to fit through a toilet paper roll. And never let your baby play with the string!) Vary the objects every few minutes to keep your little one's interest. If it's warm enough, bring some string and a toy or two outdoors, and try a fresh-air version of the same game.