Play is really important, especially in the first 2 years of life.
It is a source of stimulation, helps brain development, burns energy, promotes bonding and aids baby to sleep for longer, just to mention a few of its benefits.
NEWBORN solutions recommend you follow the: Sleep • Feed • Play • Sleep Cycle from as early as 7-10 days of age.
I want to talk to you about something I call the TRAFFIC LIGHT of play…
RED 🔴 INTENTIONAL PLAY
This is where you give your baby your undivided attention. Put away things that may distract you like screens, paper work, household jobs etc during this time.
Take a brief moment to think about your intention for this play session?
Is to burn energy? Calm ready for sleep? Teach them something?
OR just observe with loving eyes.
Then you need to create the right environment and activity to match your intention.
AMBER 🔶 INSTRUCTIONAL PLAY
This involves stimulating play that is also educational. It is to see if they can start following simple directions. You can then build on these skills as they develop giving 2-3 instructions at a time. This type of play only needs to be about 10-20 mins in duration as it can be very tiring and assists you to move onto independent play.
It is great to include play that stimulates all of their senses. Texture play using sand, water, paint, materials, shaving cream- let your imagination be creative and assist the budding artist in your little one.
When playing soccer for example give instructions “big kick”, “little kicks around the cones”, “wait for ready, set, go”. It all encourages listening ears and opportunity for delayed gratification this transfers into settling for sleep.
GREEN ✅ INDEPENDENT PLAY
It’s important your little one establishes the ability to play for short periods by themselves. The duration of time extends as they get older, but aim for 5-12 minutes (7-10 months). This can be achieved by transitioning from RED to AMBER and then allow for GREEN.
Independent play will normally start with you setting up an activity, maybe playing briefly with them and then slowly being able to move away.
I don’t normally advise messy play as something to be left unsupervised. Also make sure it is always a safe activity that they are playing by themselves and regularly check on them.
(WARNING: It is never safe to leave a child unsupervised with or near water)
Extra tips:
- AVOID having the TV on in the background for long periods.
- Avoid bringing food into the play arena.
- Watch for tired or bored signs and be ready to move on.
- Observe what your baby/toddler naturally gravitates to play with.
- Learn what is age-appropriate play from online resources or ask for our advice.
Written by Alison Gregory RN, EM, LC Parent Educator www.newbornsolutions.com.au
Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash