In between naps, feedings and diaper changes, playtime with baby may seem like downtime for moms and dads. But make no mistake: playtime is essential to your baby’s development - especially in their first year of life when they’re less into fancy toys and more into bonding with you and other caregivers.
1. Play allows them to discover their senses
A fuzzy blanket, brightly coloured blocks, favourite stuffed animal, and new foods can be used to stimulate baby’s senses.
2. Play develops gross and fine motor skills
Small objects like a rattle, a ball, blocks or a mobile above the crib all encourage motor skills as babies learn to grasp and hold objects.
3. Play teaches them about cause and effect
As babies become more observant, they will begin to learn about cause and effect.
“If I shake the rattle, it will make noise.”
“If the tower gets too tall, it will start to wobble and fall over.”
4. Play develops communication skills
Reading and singing to baby are easy ways to help them develop language skills. All the smiles, giggles and coos you start to see and hear during these times are your baby’s attempts to communicate with you.
5. Play develops social skills
Humans are social by nature and it’s imperative children be encouraged to learn how to get along with others.
Visiting the playground, planning a play date or participating in play-based programs and activities can help develop these social skills.
6. Play gives them a sense of safety
You are your baby’s first playmate and making time for play every day teaches them mom and dad are there for them. Having a familiar toy from playtime also helps to reduce stress during transition times - new environments, meeting new people, and nap time.
1. Keep It Simple
There's no need to run out to buy the latest and greatest play thing at the toy store.
Keep playtime simple and focus on open-ended toys - blocks promote motor skills, dolls can be used for pretend play, boxes and bowls encourage imagination and creativity.
2. Let Baby Take the Lead
You can introduce new toys or activities to them but let your baby take the lead and decide how to spend their awake time.
Play is more than just fun; it helps develop social, cognitive, physical and emotional skills.
Learn more about our YMCA Early Years Centres and all the free activities and play-based programs we offer.
What Is My Baby Learning?
1. Play allows them to discover their senses
A fuzzy blanket, brightly coloured blocks, favourite stuffed animal, and new foods can be used to stimulate baby’s senses.
2. Play develops gross and fine motor skills
Small objects like a rattle, a ball, blocks or a mobile above the crib all encourage motor skills as babies learn to grasp and hold objects.
3. Play teaches them about cause and effect
As babies become more observant, they will begin to learn about cause and effect.
“If I shake the rattle, it will make noise.”
“If the tower gets too tall, it will start to wobble and fall over.”
4. Play develops communication skills
Reading and singing to baby are easy ways to help them develop language skills. All the smiles, giggles and coos you start to see and hear during these times are your baby’s attempts to communicate with you.
5. Play develops social skills
Humans are social by nature and it’s imperative children be encouraged to learn how to get along with others.
Visiting the playground, planning a play date or participating in play-based programs and activities can help develop these social skills.
6. Play gives them a sense of safety
You are your baby’s first playmate and making time for play every day teaches them mom and dad are there for them. Having a familiar toy from playtime also helps to reduce stress during transition times - new environments, meeting new people, and nap time.
How Can I Make More Time for Play?
1. Keep It Simple
There's no need to run out to buy the latest and greatest play thing at the toy store.
Keep playtime simple and focus on open-ended toys - blocks promote motor skills, dolls can be used for pretend play, boxes and bowls encourage imagination and creativity.
2. Let Baby Take the Lead
You can introduce new toys or activities to them but let your baby take the lead and decide how to spend their awake time.
Play is more than just fun; it helps develop social, cognitive, physical and emotional skills.
Learn more about our YMCA Early Years Centres and all the free activities and play-based programs we offer.
