Learn as you bond
Playing with your baby can be so much fun – and for baby, play has a more serious significance too. Play is not just "play" to babies and children; it's how
they learn about the world and themselves. A newborn baby loves to play and there are plenty of activities you can do together which will aid her development
– and bring a smile to her face at the same time! Why not try the following playful pursuits:
- Dancing: put on your favourite music and dance baby softly around the room, holding her face close to yours
- Name game: touch and name all the parts of your baby's body as she watches you. Add excitement by jumping out of
sequence around the body.
- Cuddling: cradle your baby in your lap and gently stroke her in different rhythmic patterns. Sing along if you
can – now's a great time to start teaching your baby songs from your childhood.
It's never too early to treat baby to some playthings too. Newborn babies like
soft, brightly coloured toys – the colours
are important, as very young eyes find it difficult to focus on pastel colours.
The little explorer
As babies get older, they want more variety in their play. Their hand-to-eye coordination gets stronger, they learn how to sit up, and they also develop a
sense of humour! Your baby will respond to music and songs and may even start to join in with his own little noises when you sing to him. Eventually your baby may
benefit from attending a mother and baby group with you, where she can join in with group singing and hand-clapping games.
She loves to touch things and 'make things happen' like shaking a rattle or banging a wooden spoon on the table. These kinds of activities aren't just for fun
though; they help baby to understand that her actions have an effect.
At this age, your baby will love physical games. Lay her on her back and grab her feet or let her lie on her tummy and reach for one of her toys. Playing 'drop and
pick up' will tickle baby's sense of humour too – let her drop one of her toys and she'll love to watch you pick up the toy again and again. Similarly peek-a-boo
games are a firm favourite with older babies.
Start collecting old clothes, shoes and jewellery for a dressing-up box
for when your baby becomes a toddler. You don’t have to spend money on new costumes to create a great dressing up box, and by starting early and putting away a
few unwanted items a month you'll have a great collection for your child by the time she’s
old enough to play with it.
Your baby’s toys should help her explore her growing sense of awareness about the world. Choose toys with different
textures, shapes and colours that she’ll love
to touch and feel – think about wooden
blocks, bouncy balls and toys that play
music.
On the move
Toddlers love to explore the world, whether it's physically – by running around in familiar and new spaces – or with their imagination by dressing up
and playing fantasy games.
Your toddler's brain is still developing and learning new things and skills every day, and the way they play should help her do this.
Toddlers are famous for being constantly on the move and any games that get them running about are to be encouraged – a game of catch or kick the ball is
great exercise for both of you and helps your child to improve her motor skills. Similarly, your child will love playing on a
tricycle or in
a small car
where she can move around at her own pace – this is a way for her to discover the world as well as asserting her own independence. And we all know how much
toddlers love their independence!
It's important to remember that your child has a short attention span so you need to plan lots of little activities for her. Introduce painting and puzzles into
their day and remember that toddlers also love messy play – finger painting, water play and playdough will stimulate your child's sense of touch and encourage their
creativity.
Fancy dress and fantasy games are also popular with children and hopefully your child will be able to delve into a dressing-up box to help them with
this activity. If she asks you to join in with one of her games, don't be embarrassed – go for it! Most toddlers love to share their play with a parent –
not only is it more fun, but it's a sign to your child that what she's doing is important.
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Double Sided Activity Centre £34.99
Whoozit Water Play Mat £12.99
Two Height Baby Walker With Blocks £29.99 
Mini Orchestra £12.99
Fold Away Aqua Box £49.99 
Wooden Sandpit £79.99
The Activity Triangle £44.99 
