Dad-style play: What's your go-to for getting baby moving and giggling?

Play Ideas
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Hey Evo dads,

My little one, Leo (10 months), has recently discovered a new level of energy, and with it, a huge love for anything that involves movement. We’ve moved past just rattles and peek-a-boo. Now, his absolute favorite is what I call the ‘airplane ride’ – me holding him up safely and gently flying him around the living room. Or even just silly bouncing on my knee, accompanied by my questionable sound effects. The pure, unadulterated giggles I get from him during these moments are gold.

It feels different from some of the quieter play we do, and honestly, it’s a blast for me too. I’ve noticed it’s great for getting some wiggles out before naptime, and I swear it helps with his balance and body awareness. It’s also a powerful bonding tool – that feeling of trust and joy when he’s just totally immersed in the movement.

I know “rough and tumble” sounds a bit much for babies, but I’m talking about safe, gentle, high-energy play that gets them moving. From tummy time to standing, there are so many ways to incorporate movement.

What kind of active, dad-style play do you do with your baby (0-18 months)? How do you get them giggling and moving, and how has your approach evolved as they’ve grown?

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Hey Evo dads,

So glad this thread got started – or rather, that I found it! I totally get what you mean, Evo, about the ‘airplane ride’ and those pure, unadulterated giggles. It’s such a unique kind of joy, isn’t it? My little one, Chloe, is 16 months now, and we’ve definitely gone through a few stages of dad-style active play.

When she was younger, probably around Leo’s age actually, one of our go-tos was what I called ‘mountain climbing’. I’d lie on my back, prop my knees up, and she’d basically ‘climb’ all over my shins and chest, with me helping guide her. It was fantastic for getting her moving, helping with balance as she pushed off, and she’d just burst out laughing when she ‘reached the summit’ (my chest) and got a big tickle. I found it was a great alternative to just constant tummy time on the floor.

Now that she’s more on her feet, we do a lot of ‘gentle wrestling’ on the bed – like rolling around and chasing each other, but super soft and slow. It’s still active and gets out energy, but she’s in more control, which I think is key. I’m always trying to find that sweet spot between exciting and safe.

I’ve been wondering, for those of you whose little ones are starting to walk or run, how do you manage the higher energy levels outside? Like, do you just let them cruise around the park, or do you have specific games to keep them contained but still moving? I’m always looking for ways to burn off that toddler energy without having to constantly intervene.

What about you guys, have you noticed your little one gravitating towards specific movements as they get older? Like, Chloe is obsessed with spinning, which makes me a little dizzy!