Baby Play Ideas

These baby play ideas use toys that many families have, especially if they have other children. If this is your first child, you may want to invest in toys that will grow with your child (and possibly future children). 

Now, it is very important that you are careful to avoid choking hazards, as toys labeled 3+ or not for 0-3 usually are. Even if the toys with those labels are not choking hazards, the plastic could be toxic and not designed to be mouthed.

Magnets should also be kept away from babies and toddlers who tend to mouth things. Even if the magnets are enclosed they are still a hazard because the chemicals could be sucked out.

Propping Up Books Baby Play Ideas 

This is one of the first baby play ideas I use with a little baby during tummy time. I recommend using board books with large pictures on them. I tend to talk about the pictures with them. 

Soft Stuffed Toys Baby Play Ideas 

These are often used as nursery decor. Here's a reminder to take them down for play sessions too. First, check to see if they shed easily, as fluff could get in your baby's mouth if they do. Also watch out for attached small parts, as babies are stronger than they appear and could rip them off.

I've often given the baby in my care safe stuffed toys while I'm folding and putting away laundry in a bedroom. They tend to be happy just exploring them on the floor. 

I often make a toy kiss different parts of the baby's body while talking about their body parts. I occasionally have the toys put on a mini singing and dancing show for the baby. 

Animal Figure Baby Play Ideas 

I pick out the large toy animals from the sets. I've observed that babies love to feel and mouth wooden or plastic animal figures. Did you know babies can gain a lot of information from putting random items in their mouths, as the front of the tongue has double the sensory receptors? You can introduce them to the names and sounds of many of the animals. 

Play Silks or Play Scarves Toys Baby Play Ideas 

Burp cloths or muslin cloths could be substitutes for the play silks or play scarves here. On top of mouthing and exploring cloth, peek-a-boo or peepo is a great baby play idea. They can also be pulled out of used wipe or tissue boxes or even formula tins (just avoid any with sharp edges) . 

Musical Instruments Toys Baby Play Ideas 

Singing is a great addition to using music instrument toys. Babies don't even mind if you're tone-deaf, like me. You can even improvise by using other sturdy toys or household items to create a drum. DIY sensory bottles can make great shakers too. 

Duplo/Mega Blocks/Wooden Block Baby Play Ideas 

I've found that baby siblings enjoy exploring large building materials. Tapping the blocks together is a popular baby play idea. You could demonstrate building and let them knock down the towers. 

Toy Transport Baby Play Ideas

First, ensure that the wheels, etc., are sturdy, and closely supervise just in case they become a choking hazard. Exploring and pushing the toy vehicles along the floor is a great start. A ramp can add to the fun by propping up a large book on a cushion, and another book at the bottom makes it go farther.  

Ball Baby Play Ideas 

Basic but an effective way of encouraging gross motor (whole body) skills and hand-eye coordination. I often sit with my legs stretched out wide in front of a little one, roll the ball to them, and encourage them to roll it back. 

Baby basketball can be created by placing a medium to large basket (check for any sharp bits) or box on the floor and showing your baby how to toss the ball inside.

Ramps with a large book or a light toy box lid can be great for balls too. Check where the balls will end up to avoid too many awkward retrievals. Just be ready to spot your baby climbing all over the ramp.

Pop-Up Tunnel Baby Play Ideas 

Did you know that crawling helps to integrate both sides of their brain? That's why I love to encourage babies to crawl, and tunnels can help. The great thing about pop-up tunnels is they store away neatly and can transform a room easily, which can really cheer up a baby who can crawl. To get them going, I roll a ball through the tunnel, play a musical toy or book on the other side of the tunnel for the baby, or get down low and excitedly call them through. 

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