Stages of Play Development - Baby Activities & Toys



She kicks and waves her arms when she is excited. This uses the same movement as stepping. It is easier to lift heavy legs when lying flat. She smiles directly at people and expects to be given her turn in "conversations." She can learn that one event follows another. She learns to make things happen. She can locate a sound in front of her, but not one behind; she turns to the correct side if she hears a sound, but cannot locate it.



Floor gyms with flashing lights, music and hanging parts to look at Toys that encourage physical activity, such as kicking Activity quilts



Precious Planet™ Deluxe Musical Activity Gym	Rainforest™ 1-2-3 Musical Gym

How will your baby see this toy? Get down to floor level and look up at it yourself. This will help you know where to position her underneath for the most interesting view. Change your baby's position every once in a while to freshen the view.
To encourage communication between you and add fun to playtime, play with this toy together. Pick a time when baby is in an active play mode, not sleepy or hungry or overly stimulated. You'll be able to tell; if the toy looks too busy for her at the moment, she'll close her eyes.
To help your baby learn there's a connection between words and actions, move the parts and talk about them as you go: "Shake-shake-shake. See the silly little face smiling at you?"
If your gym has music or lights, hum or sing along to the music and point out the light-up features. The more you talk to your baby and directly engage her, the more you're benefiting her development.



Ocean Wonders™ Kick & Crawl™ Gym	Precious Planet™ Kick & Play Piano	Laugh & Learn™ Jumperoo™

Position your baby in front of this toy so her feet are within easy reach of it. Lean over and playfully talk to her. She'll be so pleased to have your attention that she'll start to kick the toy and make exciting things happen!
Even at this young age, you can introduce the concept of cause-and-effect. When she kicks say, "Oh, look what you just did! You made it light up!" or "You made the music play!" Eventually, with more playful encouragement from you, your child will make a very important connection: I did it! I made that happen!
Take time to point out some of the toy's features—identify the colors, point out the faces. This will help baby realize there's a connection between things and words.



Rainforest™ Melodies & Lights Deluxe Gym™	Precious Planet™ Deluxe Musical Activity Gym

Activity quilts usually offer many fun ways to reward your child's attempts at interaction. Get baby ready by positioning her so her arms and feet are within batting and kicking range of the activities.
For a challenge, switch the position of the activity toys, if you can. Watch closely and you'll be able to see your baby noticing these changes and trying to figure out what's different.
Colors and high-contrast patterns are a great way to stimulate your baby's visual sense. Point out the colors, name the animals; even though your baby won't understand the meaning of your words yet, she will understand that as you move your attention to different parts of the toy, she can switch her focus too.
If the quilt plays sounds, take advantage of this opportunity to stimulate your baby's sense of hearing. Take your baby's hands in yours and gently clap them together to the music. Make expressive faces as you playfully sing along or imitate the sounds.




All children develop at their own pace, and reach milestones at different times. The highlights mentioned in this web site are meant as approximate guidelines only. If you have any questions about your child's development, consult your healthcare provider.

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