Written by Laura – Resident Baby Nurse at Choice Pharmacy
Play is so important for your baby’s development. It also encourages learning new things and exploring their environment.
Play encourages:
– Confidence
– Understanding
– Exploring new environments
– Development of skills
– Developing social skills/ communication
Why is it important to play with your baby?
Play is essential for your baby’s development, learning, and overall health. Through play, they explore the world around them, and new experiences stimulate brain growth and connectivity. Play that involves movement also helps build muscle strength and develops both gross and fine motor skills.
Talking and reading to your baby fosters language development by exposing them to different sounds and words. It also strengthens your bond in a fun and engaging way.
You can vary play ideas daily, adapting them to your baby’s mood, health, or teething. Engaging in different activities promotes interaction and learning while adding variety to your routine. For the best experience, make sure your baby is well-rested before playtime, as it may not be as enjoyable if they’re tired!
Some ideas that you could try includes:-
– Singing simple rhymes/songs
– Chatting to them
– Tickling and songs
– Playing peek-a-boo
– Different toys and different textures- soft toys/ material books/ rattles
– Going for walks/different rooms/ different people
– Tummy time is important- it doesn’t have to be on the floor. Encourage holding your baby upright on your chest. Across your lap.(Refer to Tummy Time blog)
– Reading stories
– Playing music
– Mirrors
– Playgroup or mother’s group is also important for not only baby but mum/dad, too.
– Swimming classes are good for bonding/co-ordination
– Baby gymnastics/ sensory classes/ reading & singing time @your local library
– Indoor playcentres offer great equipment and is a great meeting place
Safety check
– Your baby’s environment is safe.
– Their toys don’t contain button batteries, loose ties, small parts or sharp edges.
– The people around your baby are safe, responsible and not smoking/drinking alcohol.
– You protect your baby’s skin and eyes, encourage a hat while outdoors.
– If your baby shows signs of being tired, fussing and disinterested; it’s time to pack away and attend to your baby’s needs.
– Often play is for short periods throughout the day.
Free Baby Nurse Service is available at Box Hill, Colebee, Eastern Creek & North Kellyville Store.
You can book our Baby Nurse for in-store consultation online or walk-in.
