Babies learn through play. In fact, they play from the second they’re born and use their own bodies as the first tools of discovery. From the very beginning, infants start exploring life through their senses. According to UNICEF, in the first 1,000 days, infants’ brains form new connections at a rapid rate: up to 1,000 every second. This is a pace that will never be repeated again. That’s why play is so important to cognitive development.
Everyday experiences affect how babies perceive their surroundings, so implementing play activities to engage in each day can contribute to proper brain development. Check out these baby play ideas to boost brain growth.
Recite Nursery Rhymes
Singing nursery rhymes isn’t just soothing to your baby. It introduces them to new words in the form of a catchy tune. They’re learning as they watch and listen. With repetition, your baby will soon recognize certain sounds and may even start mouthing the words along with your song.
Easy and classic nursery rhymes to recite include:
- The Alphabet Song
- Five Little Ducks
- Itsy Bitsy Spider
- Mary Had a Little Lamb
- Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star
Read Storybooks Aloud
Throughout the day and at bedtime, read story books and board books out loud to your baby. Making it a part of their nap and bedtime routine will help associate reading with getting drowsy. Plus, reading helps them recognize certain voices and sounds that they can pair with the brightly-colored illustrations to further boost cognitive development.
Hold Regular Conversations
As you go about your day, talk to your baby. Explain what you’re doing as you do it, from cooking to cleaning and everything in between. This narration of daily activities improves their language, listening, and communication skills – even though they can’t respond to you just yet. Watch how they react as you talk. You will notice that they are staring at your face, intent on every word you say. They will “respond” with cute cooing noises.
Engage in Object Play
Even babies at four months old can understand the concept of “cause and effect.” You may notice they will drop things just to watch you pick them up, or cough to get your attention when you are distracted. Watch the smile on their face as you turn your attention to them! Object play forms the basis of helping them develop other important skills, such as social and language learning skills.
Hang Toys and Rattles Over the Crib
Your baby’s attention will be raptly focused on any object that makes a sound. By hanging colorful and tinkling toys above their crib, you’re enhancing their visual and cognitive perception while at the same time capturing their curiosity. And as they reach out to try and grab those items, they are practicing their fine motor skills.
Encourage Tummy Time
Skills used during tummy are critical for later development. However, it can be difficult and frustrating for your baby to spend time on their stomachs because they’re not born with the ability to hold their heads up strong. The more you encourage it, the easier it will get for them.
Play Peek-A-Boo
There’s a reason why this classic game is so engaging. At the age of seven or eight months, infants can start to understand object permanence – the knowledge that objects still exist even when out of view. Use games like peek-a-boo to help your child develop memory and attention skills.
Stack Items
Stacking blocks, toys, and cups for your infant will not only boost their cognitive abilities, but their fine motor skills as well.
Try Container Play
To encourage autonomy and cognitive development, fill a container with toys. Tell them to grab any toy they want. Watch how they go about it. They may choose one toy after thinking a bit, or they may turn the whole bin over to see what happens. This action helps strengthen independence and curiosity.
Use Sensory Bins
In the same vein as the toy containers, put together some sensory bins with objects of varying texture, color, and smell. This will help stimulate your baby’s five senses.
Show Colors and Shapes
When talking about objects around the house or while driving in the car, talk about their shape, color, and texture. When playing, use this system to categorize their toys so they can see the concept in action.
Schedule a Tour of Country Home Learning Center Today
We value the importance of play in our littlest of students. Come check out our infant program to see what we mean. Contact us today to book your visit of our Austin or San Antonio facilities.
