Play with your baby today
Talking with your baby is the most important thing that you can do to help them learn to talk and later learn how to read.
Peek-a-boo
Babies love to look at your face, and a great way to get their attention is through a simple game of peek-a-boo. You can hide behind your hands, a soft scarf, the face washer or even a favourite toy. Your baby will love the anticipation as they wait for you to reappear.
Use short phrases like:
“I’m hiding. Where’s Daddy? Peek-a-boo. Here I am.”
“Your turn. Where’s Jack? Peek-a-boo. There you are. I love you.”
Share books with your baby
Share books with your baby everyday. Short books with vibrant pictures are best. You can lie on your back with your baby next to you, holding the book above, or you can practice some tummy time and hold the book in front for them to see.
Board books are great for babies as they can explore, chew, throw, bang and cuddle them without fear of damage.
Find great ideas of books for babies here.
Sensory Play
Sensory play means exploring a range of textures, sounds, colours, flavours and smells in your play. Sensory play is a great way to introduce new concepts and also help your baby get used to a wide range of sensory experiences. Put away the traditional toys and try one of the following:
Water play with bubbles
Playing with cooked spaghetti
Bells, shakers and other musical instruments
Yoghurt finger painting
Exploring on the grass outside
Sing to your baby
Babies love the sound of your voice and when you sing it is even more engaging. Try short simple songs with actions such as:
Open shut them
The moon is round
Row, row, row your boat
Round and round the garden
Here is the sea
Tummy Time
Tummy time is important for babies as it helps them develop strong, neck and upper body muscles. It also prevents your little one from getting flat areas on their head. Tummy time can be a great time to talk to your baby. Try one of the following:
Use a non-breakable mirror so that your baby can see their face. Talk about what your baby is seeing. “Hello baby. What big eyes. Peek-a-boo baby. Wow you’re strong. Clever baby.”
Read books with your baby.
Place a rolled up towel under your baby’s armpits. This helps lift their upper body up from the floor and gives them a better view.
Don’t worry if at first they don’t last long on their tummy, over time they will build up their tolerance.
Learn more about tummy time here.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are exciting for babies as they usually make noises when they are touched. Choose instruments that are easy for your baby to hold, such as bells, shakers, maracas, a rain stick or a tambourine.
Cause and effect toys
These are the toys that move, light up, move or make noises when your baby manipulates them. They involve a degree of problem solving and promote your baby’s fine motor and cognitive development.