You've probably already noticed that whatever you do, your baby wants to do the same thing. Make a game of this mimicry by giving your baby a chance to "cook" with dry ingredients – he or she will enjoy playing grown-up and delight in the new textures you're introducing.

Appropriate for: 7 to 11 months
Skills developed: Fine motor
What you'll need: Measuring cups and spoons, uncooked beans or pasta

Place a little pile of dry (uncooked) pasta or beans on the floor next to your baby and let him or her dig in. (You can also put your baby in the highchair and set the goods on the tray.) Demonstrate how to use measuring spoons or a cup to scoop up the ingredients and dump them out again – your baby will have a ball watching your moves, though he or she may not be able to imitate them. Pour the rice or beans over your baby's hands or feet to explore the sensation and hear the soothing sounds this makes.

Safety note: You'll need to supervise closely to make sure your baby doesn't eat the dry ingredients. Or, just give him or her the measuring cups and spoons to play with so you don't have to watch as carefully.