Medically reviewed and updated to ensure accuracy.
But before you send your little one flying, see to it you’re playing it safe.
What jot down of play is unsafe for babies?
Certain kinds of play can be risky, especially depending on your baby’s age.
And never, ever vigorously shake your baby.
Gentle play is the order of the day.
Here’s a checklist of tips to follow:
Never shake a baby or child.
Avoid any play in a young infant that involves jostling her unsupported head or neck.
Flipping and tossing games pose a risk for falls, which are particularly dangerous for children under 2.
These games can also potentially whip the head back and forth, causing discomfort or injury.
If you’re jogging, push baby in a stroller; never run with her in ababy carrier.
Provide her with a safe, childproofed environment to explore.
Play on the floor as much as possible.
Avoid playing on elevated surfaces such as couches or beds to avoid falls.
Or engage her in cuddlefests or chasing games once your baby is old enough tocrawl.
Don’t spend time worrying about past rough-housing sessions.
If your child hasn’t shown signs of an injury, she hasn’t been hurt.
If you have any concerns, however, always check with your doctor.
It might seem simple, but it counts as playing to a baby this young.
Imitate coos, and have pretend, make-believe conversations.
Tummy timeis essential for developing neck and upper body strength.
Get down on the floor and interact with your baby during her sessions.
Talk to her and place a toy, book or mirror in front of her.
Encourage her to reach for it.
Hold your baby and show her the world from different positions, narrating as you go.
Introduce sizes, shapes and colors, and let her handle safe toys (i.e.
nothing too small that could be swallowed).
Hold a mirror up to her cute little face and watch her watch back.
Play a baby favorite game like peek-a-boo.
1 to 3 years
Shes a toddler now and ready to conquer the world!
Engage her curiosity with blocks, empty containers and puzzles.
Pretend play is an important way for toddlers to learn.
Provide plenty of simple and safe toys for her to mimic what you do!
Play along and pretend with her.
Read with your toddler.
Name the pictures she shows interest in, describe what you see, and ask questions.
Sing songs, say rhymes and play different rhythms on tupperware, pots and pans.
Take your tot outside and explore together.
Help her learn about movement through jumping, walking and standing on one leg.
youll have to double your efforts in the safety department.
Even though you may have already childproofed the house, take another look around.
Pay particular attention to the rooms where your baby hangs out the most andbabyproof those areas.
The best way to do that is to ensure your baby’s play area is safe.
Your baby has probably outgrown her infant bath and is ready totry the big tub.
Just keep in mind some safety rules like never leaving your baby alone, ever!
and then break out some fun tub toys.
(Tip number one: Read and heed those warning labels!)
All parents get frustrated sometimes.
Even if you do everything right,babies will sometimes cry.
It’s okay if your little one cries for short time with you in another room.
