This post is brought to you by Tanya K.
There’s no denying that play is important to a baby’s development, physically, emotionally and mentally. The various types of play help a child to develop key skills that will form the foundations on which they will build as they progress through childhood and beyond.
While play, to a child, is exactly that – a chance to play and have fun with their toys – it also helps to boost brain development while giving them a chance to learn without even realizing it.
From the moment they are born, the world around a baby becomes their playground. Everything they see, touch and feel is a source of amazement and exploring every nook and cranny that they can will fill them with glee.
While there are several milestones for a baby (and you) to look forward to, from rolling over and lifting their heads, to their first smile and their first wobbly steps, they will be developing both physically and mentally through play. Every time they grab for their stuffed rabbit, or play with their favorite Say Please Tea Set when they’re a little older, they’ll be learning little snippets of information that they will build on as they grow – from pincer movement skills to how to share.
From their first weeks onwards, a baby will begin to apply problem solving techniques to everyday tasks, showing that their brain is developing at a rapid rate. You’ll be able to see the concentration in his eyes as he tries to figure out how to reach that little bit further, or how to close his fingers so that he can grasp the toy he’s been trying to hold.
As he gets older and plays with more toddler-specific toys, such as shape sorters and stacking toys, you will notice that his ability to figure out these problems will skyrocket. In all fairness, he doesn’t even need toys to demonstrate his ability to problem solve and show cognitive development; just let him handle your smartphone for a couple of minutes and he’ll work out how to unlock it using the slide function!
No matter what game you play with your little ones; whether it’s lying on the baby gym and peering into the same mirror, playing peek-a-boo with a muslin square or picking up one of his favorite toys that he becomes mesmerized with, play is a crucial element of a baby’s life and, as a parent, you’ll love watching his confidence, cognition and independence flourish because of it.
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