[baby-feat]

Belly time is an activity that is not only vital, but one of the most exciting times in raising your child. You get to witness so many first time experiences, and watch them grow and develop right in front of your eyes.
Even though this seems pretty easy to do, there are some important things to consider which will benefit your child tremendously. First, get down to their level by lying on the floor with them. This gives them your face to look at, which helps their eyes to focus, encourages them to lift their heads, and builds facial recognition. Second, make sure to place and object about 1 foot from their face, which is black and white in color. You can use some sort of soft toy. Babies typically recognize black and white colors first. Once you see they are focusing on the object, try and move it slowly back and forth, getting their eyes to follow it. This builds the ability to recognize objects, helps strengthen their neck muscles, and is good practice to get their eyes tracking objects. Thirdly, it's never too early to begin education. You can count their fingers and toes with them, which helps with body awareness. Obviously, they won't understand counting yet, but it will help with getting to know their bodies and recognizing your voice. Also, this makes the activity a very interactive and bonding time for you both. The more involved you are, the more rewarding the experience.
Remember, this is a learning time for both of you. They are learning their bodies, and you are learning to be a parent. Because the most important thing is to enjoy raising your child.

[mcmama]

One of the nice things about baby learning is that it happens as a result of everyday activities, as well as one on one play.

Don't know why it would have to be black and white. They see something they are interested in and they start kicking their little legs.

I used to do the counting games when I was dressing them or changing them. Not just my own kids, the daycare kids too.

Babies also like music games with you moving their hands and feet in rhythm. I found this video of two kids playing the rum sum sum game - I used to adapt this for babies, and as they got older they would show me they wanted to play it by lifting their arms and giggling.

Older brothers and sisters can interact with babies this way too. Lots of fun.

[mcmama]

And if you REALLY want to be silly (and lets face it, who doesn't)...There's this variation on the same game....

[baby-feat]

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate your input. As for the black and white colors, my wife said that those are the colors young babies recognize first. She is a pediatric occupational therapist. I hope to offer many more posts with varying topics.
Good Parenting,
Jason