Playing With Your Baby

Tummy Time | Ways to Play

Play is very important for babies and children because it helps them to learn about themselves and the world around them. It also promotes their physical, cognitive, language, emotional and social development. Play is very important for babies and children because it helps them to learn about themselves and the world around them

You can help your baby develop her skills in these areas by anticipating when new skills will appear and providing learning experiences.

It is important to remember that every baby develops at a different rate and that growth and development charts are only guidelines.

Tips for playing:

Create a safe place to play. Remove all dangerous things from your infant’s reach when he is exploring his environment
Give your baby toys that are simple and right for her age
Play with your infant one-on-one every day so he can share his discoveries with you
Play with your baby down on the floor, face-to-face
Give your baby a chance to play around other children
Limit the time your infant spends in a playpen, a swing or anything that restrains her movements
Let your infant move freely so he can develop his co-ordination and muscles
Take your baby outdoors to play
Supervise your baby while she is playing
Watch your baby's signals for what he is interested in and respond

Basic safety standards

Supervise your infant closely, but do not restrain his movements
Toys should not have sharp edges or pieces that can be swallowed
Toys should be light-weight, brightly coloured, non-toxic and have varying textures
Your infant requires a minimum of a 1.5 m X 2 m (5’ X 7’) blanket on which to play and roll
Your infant should play at ground level to avoid injuries

From the very beginning of your child’s life, he is engaging in play with you. It might be as simple as following your face as you move it slowly from one side of his to the other or listening to your voice as you sing to him during his diaper change.

For more information:

Region of Peel — Public Health
905-799-7700
Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Caledon residents call free of charge at 905-584-2216
To speak with a Public Health Nurse