Here are their suggestions for how to keep play exciting and varied when spending time at home with young children:
1. Rotate the toys
Most children have a favourite toy or toys. Try putting some away for a few weeks and then swap them over, and the toys will be interesting again! Move the toys to a different space, from inside to outside, or to a different room. You could also play with toys in a different way. Maybe the fire engine could go for an adventure…. in space!
2. Chatting
Talking to your baby as you go about your day can help them learn new words. Try describing what your child is doing, as this is a great way to keep them excited about the same things they do every day.
3. Singing
You don’t have to be the world’s greatest singer to have fun singing with your baby! Songs with a story or repetition, like Old MacDonald, are particularly good for your baby’s early communication. While you’re singing, don’t forget that a boogie will not just bring a smile to your child’s face (and yours!) but it keeps them active too.
4. What about water, sand or even ice?
You don’t need to buy a water or sand table. You can fill dishes, bowls, even the bath and create fun imaginative role-play scenes with bits you have in the home. You can even freeze some plastic toys in ice and create a rescue mission to break them free!
5. Change the scenery
This can be as simple as looking out of the window. Spotting birds, insects, or trees is a lot of fun especially when you realise that you and your child will often notice completely different things! That different perspective can spark conversation and focuses their attention on something that will interest them. Try looking for shapes, numbers, letters and pointing out different colours too. You might find it can be a calming and quiet moment of reflection as well.
6. Use what’s available at home
Remember to utilise what you have at home! Playing the pots and pans or making a den with objects around the house are great ways to have fun. The Baby Club At Home is about valuing what parents are already doing, sharing more ideas for having fun together, and knowing they are helping their child’s development. Keep doing the best you can for you and your baby and try to have fun.
Catch up on The Baby Club At Home on CBeebies iPlayer.
