When your little one is awake after a nap, well-nourished, and ready for some fun, it’s essential to pick toys suitable for their age. Introducing a new toy occasionally can keep her intrigued without causing sensory overload. For calmer moments or when she’s resting in her crib, think about incorporating a mobile with rotating toys.
“Infants are naturally drawn to moving objects. If these toys are accessible, they might start interacting with them, either by touching with their hands or nudging with their feet,” she points out, emphasizing the development of hand-eye coordination. By the 4 to 6-month mark, infants begin to grasp and hold onto objects, refining their fine motor abilities. But, always be wary of small items that could easily end up in their mouths.
As they grow, grasping the concept of cause and effect becomes a significant learning step. Encourage your baby to make some noise. Letting them play with items like pots or musical instruments like drums and xylophones offers a multisensory experience. “Sitting your baby on your knee and repeating ‘Bang, bang, bang’ as they play can also boost their language development,” DeSouza notes.
In a year’s time, the transformation is incredible! Your little one is now on the move, curiously navigating spaces by crawling, and some might even be venturing out with their initial steps. Toys or activities that foster this kind of movement can greatly enhance their primary motor skills. Dudley suggests games of playful chase, where you gently pursue your baby as they crawl or walk around.
During more relaxed times, your baby may gravitate towards interactive playthings, such as containers they can fill and dump, stacking toys, spring-up figures, and mini vehicles.
“The change in air quality combined with the surrounding sounds can be soothing. Lying on their stomach outside can benefit older babies, as it often encourages them to crawl,” Dudley notes.
And a light rain shouldn’t hinder your outdoor activities. Dudley says, “Babies usually delight in feeling the rain while protected by an umbrella, taking in the visual and auditory splendor of the moist surroundings.” No matter your baby’s age, spending time outdoors is always encouraged when the climate is favorable. It might be just the thing for a fidgety little one.