Understand your baby’s play

Baby development

The most important thing you can give your baby is your time and attention. Provide a safe and interesting environment to explore, sing songs and play peekaboo. Toys should be simple, if you offer them at all: balls, bowls, boxes and things to shake and grasp. This is a time for discovery.

Baby’s first year

Babies don’t need toys. An engaged adult (you!), the chance to move and some interesting materials to explore. That’s it.

You

You are your child’s first teacher. You are a role model and educator, a conversation partner and friend. In the first few months your baby doesn’t need any toys at all, just you.

Read more about why parents are their child’s first teacher.

Perception

Newborns have very limited vision. The world is blurry and monochrome. Offer high-contrast, black-and-white objects to help sight develop.

Read more about the importance of the fourth trimester.

A treasure basket

Reach, grasp, shake, mouth, cast aside. A six-month-old needs no toys. Fill a ‘treasure basket’ with everyday objects, sit back, relax and enjoy a nice cup of tea.

Object permanence

Memory takes time to develop, but you’ll have lots of fun along the way.

Boredom

Entertainment is the enemy. Make time for boredom. It fosters independence, creativity, motivation and resilience

Get the Guide to Babies

A Year With My Child

It’s hard coming up with new things to do with a toddler. And checking Pinterest for inspiration leaves you drained. Yet more things to buy and an elaborate set-up for something your child may never engage with.

A Year With My Child is here to help.

Learn how to get more play with less stuff with our weekly email course. Read more here