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Playtime can be fun for both you and your baby. And children who play with their parents regularly enjoy the greatest developmental benefits.

Look. Lift. Throw. Feel. Bounce. Drop. Hide. These activities and more are all part of a day's play when you're a baby. Playing is the best way for babies to learn about the world around them. And when you play with them, they also learn that they are important, loved and fun to be around.

The benefits of play

Babies' play may look like it's all about fun. But through play, your baby can learn important math, science and language concepts, according to Zero to Three. Play helps babies acquire the mental, physical, emotional, social and creative skills they will need for the rest of their lives.

How to play

As a parent, you'll want to make the most of your baby's playtime. But you don't have to spend money on expensive toys to stimulate your baby, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Watch your baby and follow his or her lead, then offer other ways to play.

Some playtime basics:

• Play repetitive games, such as peekaboo and hiding games.
• Talk, sing and do finger plays (like itsy-bitsy spider) with your baby.
• Read aloud to your baby while you snuggle. Provide your baby with sturdy board books to look at, chew on or bang on the table.
• Use ordinary objects as toys, such as boxes, big wooden spoons, saucepans and lids (with your supervision).
• Make peace with messes. Knocking down blocks and finger-painting with food are part of your baby's learning.

By the time your baby can sit up and maybe crawl, a new world of play activities opens up. Your child will be developing greater physical independence and more of a distinct personality.

Babies around 1 year old enjoy:

• Toys that rattle, spin or pop up.
• Bells and shakers.
• Unbreakable mirrors.
• Toys that can be pulled, dragged or pushed as babies move.
• Nesting and stacking toys.
• Simple shape sorters or busy boxes.
• Soft dolls and stuffed animals.
• Toys that show cause and effect, such as pop-up toys.
• Building blocks.
• Balls (as long as they are not small enough to fit in the mouth).

Keep playtime safe

With your little explorer on the loose, you have to stay one step ahead when it comes to safety. Make sure to provide safe, clean toys that are labeled as appropriate for your child's age. Keep your baby's play environment safe by using safety plugs in electrical outlets and covers or pads on sharp table edges.

Even at age 1, babies will continue to put things in their mouths to explore them, so make sure to avoid toys that may contain choking hazards.

Note: Walkers with moving wheels are very dangerous for babies, and they can even delay a baby's learning to walk. A safer choice is a stationary activity center with toys and a rotating or bouncing seat.

Making friends

You may notice that your baby doesn't seem to interact with other babies at this age. It's normal for 1-year-old babies to play alongside each other, observing what the other is doing and copying it. Babies begin to learn how to interact and play with peers between 18 months and 2 years old.

Remember: You are your child's first and most important playmate. Children who play regularly with their parents enjoy the greatest developmental benefits. So take time to play every day with your baby.

Reviewed 9/26/2023