Playing with Your Baby

Playing with your baby is an important part of raising a happy and healthy child. Baby boys and baby girls love to feel affection and attention and through games and interactive activities you can bond with your baby in nurturing ways that will help in his or her development. Babies are pretty helpless for the first few months and this includes playtime. They need you to encourage, reinforce, respond and join in the games to make it fun and interesting.

It’s always a good idea to have several baby toys on hand to provide enough stimulation for your baby boy or baby girl. Babies love bright colors, intriguing shapes and soft, cushy fabrics so fuzzy stuffed animals, soft building block and squishy plush toys are great for playing with a toddler or infant. Another great idea for playing with you baby is to have a stuffed animal or other toy that makes music. The sound is very pleasing to a baby’s ears and will soothe as well as entertain him. Even if he’s not in the mood to play a baby can still benefit from hearing music with mobiles that spin above his head.

Playing with your baby is a unique and important bonding experience. It is during this time that he will gain confidence in his efforts by listening to your voice encourage and praise him. Doctors and pediatrics recommend talking to your baby, even if it’s just silly baby talk, to let them know you are there and paying attention to them. A soft, soothing voice is music to a baby’s ears and they will let you know how much they appreciate it by lighting up your day with that beaming smile.

When playing with your baby take note of his reactions and moods and act accordingly. Some babies won’t like certain toys, some may be afraid of certain stuffed animals and some may not enjoy being rolled over. Don’t force a baby to play a game he does not like. Be prepared to switch up activities on the fly and don’t dwell on the fact that he simply made a decision not to play. He is his own person and he will decide what he likes and what he doesn’t. Find the games, activities and puzzles he enjoys and encourage him to have fun while he’s playing. It’s also important that you have fun too. If you’re enjoying yourself the more likely it is that he will enjoy himself too.