Play is important for healthy brain development and supports a whole range of development skills that promote well-being throughout life. Through play, babies learn about the world around them and how they interact with it. From the earliest months, babies begin to learn through play such as turn taking, smiling, mimicking sounds fostering a bond and trust.
Parents and caregivers play an important role as the child’s first playmates, guiding them in learning social norms, emotion regulation and communication skills. Caregiver-infant interaction is the earliest form of play. Social interactive activities provide children with learning from others such as caregivers, and they are the foundation for learning and development. When caregivers respond to their infants’ nonverbal behaviors during the first few months of life (ex. Responding to emerging social smiles) it will help babies better understand communication skills.
Ways to engage your baby in play:
- While you are playing with your baby, talk to your infant to familiarize him or her with your voice, and respond when he babbles or coos.
- Imitate your infant’s sounds and engage in back-and-forth conversation using your infant’s sound as a prompt
- Tummy time: Place your infant in variety of positions so they can practice holding their head
- Play Peek-a boo
Sensory play is important for children’s development which includes activities that engage the senses – touch, sight, hearing, smell and taste. Through sensory play, it helps to foster brain development, language, motor skills and can explore the world and find their place in it. This includes textured walls that SCCLD libraries have in their baby play area. This stimulates children’s senses and enhances their learning and play experience. Tactile play is about exploring through the sense of touch which can teach children about different textures. Visual sensory play focuses on sight and can include activities such as colors, patterns and shapes which can stimulate vision. Sensory play enhances gross and fine motor skills, language, cognitive growth, social interactions and strengthens the bond with your baby.
