Most babies love mirrors and will love to socialize with their reflection. Use baby-safe mirrors and hang them on the cot, in the pram or beside the changing table.

Show her books with simple, sharply defined pictures. Boldly illustrated board books are perfect.

Play copycat by holding your face about 20cm away from hers, make eye contact and slowly poke your tongue out every 20 seconds or so. Soon she will take notice of what you are doing and will try to imitate. A wide open mouth or big smile can work too.

Toys such as rattles are ideal to hone your baby’s coordination between her vision and hearing. In the early months, shake the rattle yourself or put it in her hand and help her shake it. Alternatively, attach a wrist rattle.

Textures are an important stimulus. Try rubbing her skin with different fabrics, such as velvet, wool or fur. Introduce different toys like hard wooden blocks or a coarse-haired stuffed teddy.

When your baby is able to raise her head up when lying on her tummy, try rolling a brightly-coloured ball across her line of vision. At first she will watch it and, as she develops, she will try to stretch towards it.

Babies love bubbles. Sit in her a bouncy chair or car seat and blow bubbles around her.