Playing and exploring with my baby
Play is joyful, satisfying, and essential for children. It is how they learn about the world around them.
Being playful with your child and enjoying your time together can strengthen your relationship as they play and explore. Children do best in nurturing relationships with people who care about them; however, this doesn’t mean you need to play with your child all day long! You are busy and need some time for yourself. Instead, focus on the quality of the time you spend with your child; notice what they are interested in and spend some time playing along.
Listen as this new parent talks about why a baby carrier is useful for caregivers.
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- When my baby is in a playful mood, we can have fun together.
- I use gentle touches and a soft voice to keep our play time calm and relaxed.
- That way, my baby can freely explore new things.
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- My baby likes to do the same thing over and over again.
- My baby repeats simple actions and watches to see what happens next.
- My baby is learning a lot about objects and actions through this repetitive play.
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- There’s lots to explore now that my toddler can get up and go.
- While my toddler tries out new things, I stay close, watching and talking and keeping everything safe.
- My toddler loves to move, and I am learning how capable my toddler is.
- When we play together, I notice the things my child likes to do.
- Talking about the toys and what my child is doing helps my child learn new words.
- Offering a choice of objects encourages my child to use those new words.
- It also is a way to let my child make decisions.
- Sometimes when we play together, I suggest a game to help my child learn.
- I encourage my child to notice colours and to find pictures that match.
- When my child has trouble saying a new word, I repeat it clearly, so my child hears how to say it.
- I love to see all the things my child knows.
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