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10 ways to entertain your baby

Nothing beats hearing those chuckles of delight or shrieks of joy when your baby is in a happy mood. Stuck for ways to keep your little one jolly? Here are ten easy ideas from mum-of-two Tara King

1. Simple games
Playing fun hand games such as 'Pat-a-Cake' and 'Peek-a-boo' will have your baby gurgling and giggling with delight. These simple hand games help develop her fine motor skills and teach her cause and effect.

2. Looking in the mirror
Faces fascinate babies and they love looking at themselves in the mirror. 'When Amber was a baby I would often jiggle her in front of the mirror to make her laugh. Make funny expressions and poke out your tongue and she will be fixated,' says Jo, Mum to Amber 3 and Summer 1.

3. Get her to join in
When you need to get on, get your baby involved in the daily activity. It might take a little bit longer but she will enjoy helping with chores like sweeping and dusting. Watching the washing machine for a few minutes, with all that spinning, colours and water flowing is fascinating to small minds too.

4. Be sociable
'It doesn't need to cost the earth, look for Story Time sessions at the library or arrange to have a weekly get together with other mums you have met', suggests Lucy, Mum to Misty, 2 and Heidi, 9 months.

5. Make baby dates
'Babies of all ages love to watch older children and other babies. If there isn't an older sibling around to entertain them then visit local playgroups and coffee mornings;, suggests Kirstin, Mum to Claudia 3 months and Megan 3. To find local groups in your area contact the NCT

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