jack in a can

This is a fun toy you can make for 6 month old and up! I got the idea from babycenter.com

I made this for Gianna using a finger puppet, a plastic knife, tape, and a plastic cup! I used the tape over the plastic knife edges and cut a hole in the bottom of the cup. Gianna loves it!

Jack-in-the-Can


When a baby is getting the hang of object permanence (the idea that something still exists even when it can't be seen), any game where things appear and disappear is a hit. While traditional windup jack-in-the-boxes can still be too startling or scary at this age, you can make a baby-friendlier one yourself using simple materials from around the house.

Appropriate for: 6 to 10 months
Skills developed: Understanding of object permanence
What you'll need: A coffee can, yogurt carton, or large paper cup; a chopstick, pencil, or ruler; a small colorful toy (a finger puppet works best); some tape or glue

Punch a hole in the bottom of the container. Insert a chopstick, pencil, or ruler (even a stick from your garden will do) through the hole, then glue or tape to the tip a small stuffed animal or plastic figure. Even better, use a finger puppet (just slip it over the end of the stick and secure it with a bit of tape).

Now you have a hand-operated pop-up toy: Pull the stick down so the toy or puppet is hidden inside the can or cup, then push it up suddenly when you want the jack-in-the-can to greet your baby.



Cause and Effect


As babies become more observant and attuned to the notion of cause and effect, they get fascinated by light switches, TV remotes, and other things that seem like powerful agents of change. Cater to that fascination by showing your baby how certain actions bring certain results.

Appropriate for: 6 to 18 months
Skills developed: Concept of cause and effect, spatial relationships
What you'll need: Common household items

Start with simple changes: Open and close a cupboard door or dresser drawer, then turn a light switch on and off (besides on/off, this demonstrates light versus dark).

Then branch out into more active scenarios: Roll a ball across the floor to your baby or put a stuffed animal at the edge of the table, then push it off onto the chair. Or just encourage her to ring the doorbell. If you're feeling really adventurous, let her turn the faucet on and off – as long as it's the cold one.