Why is play important?

General Practitioner Dr. Stephanie Ooi explains:

"Play is a very important part of your baby developing the strength and co-ordination needed for them to be able to start feeding themselves. Through play and movement, they will start to build the core stability they need to be able to sit up and support themselves. Play also encourages your little one to reach out and eventually grab things and bring them to their mouths. If you see your baby can hold a toy then they can probably hold a spoon, if they can pick up things with their fingers then they can start to pick up foods. These are sure signs that they are starting to develop the skills needed to start feeding themselves."

How do I play with my little one?

Playing with your baby is wonderful, but it’s not always obvious what to do.
 

Early Years Development Specialist Sophie Pickles says:

"Talk to your baby – it doesn’t matter what about. It could be a running commentary of your day or mindless chatter about nothing. Use a silly voice and vary your pitch, or belt out one of your favourite songs, it doesn’t even have to be a song your baby knows. Your little one will be tuning into your voice changing in tone and cadence whilst you’re singing and talking, so mix it up. This is really great for stimulating and developing your little one’s cognitive skills."

General Practitioner Dr. Stephanie Ooi says:

"Spending time with your little one is the key.
Don’t beat yourself up because you haven’t done that 10 minutes of tummy time today or the baby sensory class was cancelled. Know that just getting on with the day-to-day with them by your side will provide more than enough simulation to keep them progressing with their development."

Kiddylicious Nutritionist Katie Angotti adds:

"Simple things like getting outside gives your little one loads of things to focus on at different depths, helping them to develop their depth perception, which in turn helps with hand eye co-ordination and spatial awareness."

Expert top tip

“Wearing your little one in a carrier when you are going outside for a walk is a great way to get in some tummy time, it increases their core strength, give them plenty of sensory stimulation and it’s a fantastic bonding opportunity.” recommends Sophie Pickles, Kiddylicious Early Years Development Specialist.

Build your own treasure basket

To engage your little one, create a treasure basket or box of things your baby might be interested in from around your home. Look for items that have different textures, sounds and smells. They could be simple things like a wooden spoon, a bangle or a bracelet, some tinfoil, the remote control or a clean make up brush. You can start by exploring them together, talking about them, touching and feeling each item, this will allow your baby to experience new and different sensations. It’s a great way of bonding with your baby, it’s fun and it’s free.

It’s never too early to start playing with your baby

Early Years Development Specialist Sophie Pickles recommends:

"With really small babies you can play simple games, especially when they are laying on the floor or a play mat. Use a piece of fabric or a tea towel to attract their attention, dangle it over them, and soon they will be reaching up trying to touch it, then eventually they will have a go at pulling or grabbing it. It’s never too early to start and sometimes the simplest things you have around the house are the best at engaging your little one. Give it a go."

All of our experts recommend if your little one is experiencing any issues with feeding, then speak to your healthcare professional or your GP for additional advice and support.