Playing with your baby is one of the best ways to spend time together. The games you play are not only fun for your baby; they can also promote social, cognitive and physical development.
If you’re wondering what types of toys and games are best, you have a wide variety to choose from. From simple toys to everyday items, there are opportunities for play all around you.
Keep in mind, you may want to consider your baby’s age and developmental stage when picking toys and games. For example, toys that encourage your baby to track objects and help with head and neck control are good for babies under three months. Consider playing with hand puppets or putting your baby on an activity mat on the floor.
When your baby gets a little older, toys and games that help her develop motor skills are great choices. Get down on the floor and play with your baby using soft blocks, stacking rings or just rolling a ball back and forth. All these activities help your baby develop balance, coordination and grasping skills.
Activity boards are also a fun toy for your little one. With lots of objects to twist and turn and different textures to explore, it helps your baby learn more about her world through touch.
Toys that encourage her imagination are always a good idea. For example, give your baby toy versions of everyday items, such as cell phones, tools and kitchen utensils and let her copy your actions.
Silly games and songs, such as peek-a-boo and itsy bitsy spider, are fun for your baby and also promote social skills. Reading is also a great way to play with your baby. Touch and feel books, along with pop-up books are great for babies of all ages.
An easy play option is taking out sealed containers and letting your baby stack objects or figure out which containers fit inside each other. This game helps with motor skills and also cognitive development.
To make the most of playtime, it’s best to do it when your baby is well fed and rested. If your baby starts crying, turning away or rubbing his eyes, he may be giving you a hint, he has had enough playing for now.
Remember, babies love to interact and explore. Babies are also often easily entertained. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on all types of toys. Babies enjoy interaction, so the specific games you play are not as important as just getting down on the floor and having fun together.
Written by MaryAnn DePietro@writerlady34
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.
