Baby Play Round Up 0-3 Months

At this age babies have a short attention span but there are always ways in which you can introduce short play activities to do with you baby. These activities can help your babies reflexes, Language, Learning and hand to eye coordination. Spending time with your baby in these ways will also help to develop the bond between you and your baby. 

The changing table/mat

Through out the average day you are likely to be changing your babies nappy at least five times. Normally a task which will take no more than a couple of minutes at a time this could be made more fun by simply making the environment more stimulating for them. 

• Using Balloons on the wall above the unit this gives them something to stretch their arms out for and try to hit. Just make sure that the balloon's are high enough up to not block their vision or give them less room to move.  

• Add high contrasting images around the area. Babies are stimulated by patterns and high contrasting colour's Because a newborn's visual acuity. These are best laminated and mounted on the wall with velcro to make sure they do not fall down but can still be easily changed. If you do not have images at home you could try searching Google for 'high contrasting images for babies.' 

• Singing nursery rhymes while changing your babies can help calm them if they do not usually enjoy this part of their daily routine. Hearing your voice can be soothing and is also a great for them to start understand your language. 

Puppets

Puppets are a great toy for the whole family. Babies will love to listen to the voices and sounds you make with them. Using puppets in play will encourage them to follow the puppets from side to side developing their  tracking skills. This is a nice way for older sibling to get involved and be able to play with the baby. 

Scarfs 

Wavying or hanging a colourful scarf will attention. These can be hung from there baby gym as long as they are supervised but will need moving up as they get older. 

Fabric's and materials

Sitting baby up explore a range of different colours and fabrics with them. These could be made easily accessble using a basket. Alternatively lay baby on a soft and fluffy fabric such as lambs wool and surround them with other materials to touch, grab and explore. 

 Mirrors

Adding mirrors around your babies play area or changing mat are a great way to encourage babies to interact. You could also use other item such as hanging spoons, sticking up tin foil or placing metal bowl upside down next to them.