Baby Activities and Play Ideas
The world really is your playpen when it comes to keeping baby entertained, as they’re experiencing so many things for the first time. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Tummy time
Just ten minutes of tummy time here and there makes a huge difference to your baby’s development. You can add a little extra excitement by holding out toys or dangling ribbon in front of them – anything that encourages them to stretch out towards you. Place baby in front of a mirror during tummy time and you’ll both be giggling before you know it.
Scent exploration
This one will introduce them to different smells. Grab some from fresh herbs, like rosemary, basil or parsley, and hold them under your baby’s nose while they’re on your lap. Or, you can try citrus fruits like lemon and orange.
Water play
Grab a washing up bowl, fill it with water, and sit your baby on your lap whilst they splash around. You can add toys to make playtime extra interactive. Just arrange a few plastic cups, bottles and containers nearby for them to experiment with. They can scoop up water and see what floats and sinks – just make sure you have a towel to hand! Why not get their legs in the water and let them splash around? They’ll be fascinated by all the noises and movement.
Discover new textures
If your baby is at the post-weaning age, give them some jelly to play with in their high chairs. They’ll love the squishy feeling. You can also give them crumpled paper or cardboard to let them explore different textures.
DIY toys
Sensory play is an important part of early childhood development, but this doesn’t have to come at a cost. Homemade toys such as a rattle or squeezy bag can serve as great sensory stimulus why not give them a go.
Homemade Rattle Instructions
- Grab handfuls of rice, lentils or pasta and pop them inside a leftover bottle, making sure to tighten the lid.
- If you have a few bottles, you can experiment with different ingredients and quantities.
- Don’t be afraid to add a little bit of water and food colouring to brighten up your rattle. Just make sure it doesn’t get too heavy for your baby to hold.
Sensory Squeezy Bag Instructions
- Grab a freezer or ziplock bag.
- Mix 136g of flour with 6 tbsp of water.
- Add a few drops of food colouring.
- Pour the mixture into your bag and push out all the air.
- Seal firmly before giving to your baby.