Written by:Suzanna Smith
Reviewed by: Donna Davis

Playing with your baby is a very important way that you can nurture your child’s development.

From birth to 12 months, babies begin to play by using all their senses. Their eyes, ears, nose, hands and mouth are their tools. By the time they are 9 months, most babies can understand cause and effect—for example, they push the button on the toy and music plays. They can also understand that things still exist that they can’t see. When the ball rolls behind the couch, the baby will hunt for it.

Parents are their baby’s favorite toy, and can help their baby learn and have fun by trying some of these playtime games. Go back and forth by imitating your baby’s sounds and waiting for her or him to respond. “Encourage” your baby “to copy you, too.” (Zero to Three).

Play peek-a-boo.

Sing and dance for your baby, even if you don’t have the greatest voice or moves.

Listen to different types of music to see what your baby likes best.

Sing lullabies at bedtime, or favorite family songs in the car or as you go for a walk.

These simple games will bring a sparkle to your baby’s eyes while also teaching important concepts like cause and effect, communication skills, and eye hand coordination. They also show that he or she is important through the joy you express from playing with your baby.

Information Sources:

Positive Parenting Tips

Birth to age 1 from the CDC/Department of Health and Human Services. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/child/infants.htm

Zero to Three. (n.d.).The power of play.
Washington, DC: Claire Lerner, L.C.S.W. and Sharon Greenip, M.Ed.; ZERO TO THREE 2004
Segal, Marilyn, 1998. (2nd Edition). Your Child at Play: Birth to One Year; Discovering the Senses and Learning
About the World.

Segal, Marilyn, 1998. (2nd Edition).Your Child at Play: One to Two Years; Exploring, Learning, Making Friends and Pretending.

Segal, Marilyn, 1998. (2nd Edition). Your Child at Play: Two to Three Years; Growing Up, Language, and the Imagination

Listening, learning and living together, it’s the science of life. “Family Album” is a co-production of University of Florida, IFAS Extension, the Department of Family,Youth and Community Sciences and WUFT-FM. If you’d like to learn more, please visit our website at Family Album Radio.