Two of the most frequently asked questions by new parents are:
1. How do I play with my baby?
2. What Can I do to promote my baby’s development?
Parents in our group programs receive developmental guidance and participate together in fun play activities that promote their babies’ progress towards normal developmental milestones. It is never too early to start. Even 1 month old babies can benefit from a few minutes of developmental play when they are in a nice, calm alert state between feedings. Of course, parents need to monitor their babies’ responses to developmental play and not over do it. It is important to watch for baby behavior that says “time for a break” and stop.
To promote your baby’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development, I recommend offering developmental play in 3 forms:
1. Interactive visual stimulation
2. Interactive auditory stimulation
3. Interactive movement
Make use of props like shakers, colored scarves, a parachute, music and dancing to liven things up a bit. Make it fun for you and your baby. Here are pictures of some activities we do in our “First Weeks” group.
Learn more about baby development and developmental play activities in tomarrow’s blog.
Marilee Hartling RN, MFT
Infant/Child Development Specialist
Licensed Child and Family Therapist
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