PLAY AND DEVELOPMENT

Small Ways to Support Play and Development

Supporting your baby’s development does not need an elaborate activity plan or a room full of toys. Talking, singing, sharing books, moving on the floor and following what captures their attention can all become useful moments of play.

Follow what interests your baby

You do not need to direct every moment. Notice what your baby is looking at, reaching towards or responding to, then join them there. Repeat a sound, name an object or pause to give them time to respond. If they turn away, become unsettled or lose interest, it is fine to stop and try again later.

Talk, sing and share books

Ordinary conversation counts. Describe a nappy change, name what you can both see, copy the sounds your baby makes or sing a familiar rhyme. You can look at books together from an early age without needing to read every word. Talking about the pictures and enjoying the time together is enough.

Hold your baby close enough to see your face while you talk.
Copy their sounds and leave space for a response.
Sing songs and nursery rhymes you already know.
Point to and name pictures or objects you can both see.

Make room for movement

Awake, supervised floor play gives babies space to wriggle, turn and reach. The NHS says tummy time can begin from birth on your chest while you are wide awake, then move to the floor when your baby is ready. Start with short periods and build gradually.

Place a simple toy close enough to look at or reach towards.
Talk or sing while your baby moves.
Try tummy time across your chest or lap if the floor is not working that day.
Keep floor space clear and stay close.

Simple play ideas for ordinary days

Count fingers and toes during a calm moment.
Play peek-a-boo with your hands or a light cloth.
Shake a suitable rattle, pause, then let your baby look for the sound.
Offer a baby-safe object with an interesting shape or texture to explore.
Dance gently together to music while holding your baby securely.
Look in a mirror together and copy expressions.

You do not need lots of toys

Your attention and familiar household routines can offer plenty to explore. When you do use toys, choose something suitable for your baby’s age and current abilities, follow its warnings and check it regularly for damage, sharp edges or loose small parts. Keep button batteries inaccessible and make sure battery compartments are secured.

Keep milestones out of playtime

Babies develop at different rates, and play does not need to become a daily performance check. Offer opportunities without forcing a position or activity. If you are worried about how your baby moves, communicates or responds, speak to your health visitor or GP rather than trying to solve the concern with a particular toy.

A few practical safety checks

Stay with your baby during play, particularly around water or objects they may put in their mouth.
Use age-appropriate toys and follow the manufacturer’s warnings.
Keep small parts, loose cords and button batteries out of reach.
Only use tummy time when your baby is awake and supervised.
Clear away damaged toys or objects with sharp edges.

If you are worried about development

Your health visitor or GP can help if you have questions about your baby’s movement, hearing, vision, communication or development. This source-linked guide offers general ideas rather than an assessment of an individual child.

Frequently asked questions about swaddling

Does my baby need special developmental toys?

No. The NHS recommends simple interaction such as talking, singing, sharing books and playing with suitable things you already have. Your involvement matters more than buying a large collection of toys.

How long should playtime last?

There is no single session length to achieve. Use short periods when your baby is awake and settled, follow their interest and stop when they turn away, become unsettled or need feeding, sleep or comfort.

What can I do with a young baby?

Talk face to face, sing, copy their sounds, count fingers and toes, look at a simple book or offer short periods of awake, supervised movement on your chest or the floor.

What if my baby does not enjoy tummy time?

This is common. The NHS suggests trying it on your chest or lap, placing toys within reach, talking or singing, or using a small rolled towel beneath their arms. Keep it supervised and build up gradually.

When should I ask for advice?

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you are worried about any aspect of your baby’s development. They can consider your baby’s individual history and decide whether further support is useful.

Everyday play helps build early brain connections

Baby Buddy shows how ordinary interaction and play can support a baby's early development, paired with NHS guidance about talking, responding, floor play and following the baby's cues without turning milestones into deadlines.

Watch the demonstration