When Do Babies Start Playing With Toys?

From very early in their young lives, babies and children are often awash with toys and cuddlies in all sorts of shapes and sizes, packed with interesting features to inspire and teach. From enthusiastic parents to doting grandparents, beautifully designed toys and gifts will be flying off the shelves once the newborn makes its eagerly awaited appearance.  

But what do we really know about what babies want and need? What colours do they respond to, what can they see, when do they begin to learn, when can they make choices, when do they start to play? So many questions! Thank goodness Sky Rockets are here to investigate – read on to discover the what, why, how and when of baby play! 

 

What is Baby Play? 

Before we take a look at when babies might begin to play with toys, we should first think about what baby play actually is. Expert research states that babies start to play from the moment they’re born. That’s hard to believe, isn’t it? It’s probably easier to understand if we explain that play is all about learning. When your baby arrives, they immediately begin to explore their new surroundings, learning how to feed, interact and get their needs met. Before long, they will have learned enough to vocalise when they’re hungry, tired, or uncomfortable. 

These early interactions help babies to learn as they explore their surroundings – and that’s what baby play is all about. Play is how babies learn how to communicate, socialise, move and develop their skills.  

Important: choose age-appropriate toys that will stimulate your baby’s senses as they develop.   

 

First Baby Toys 

It’s been an interesting blog so far – who knew that babies could play as soon as they’re born! Now, let’s investigate those first toys that will grab your little bundles' attention and keep them busy for as long as possible! 

Your baby will be around six to eight weeks old before they can grasp or move towards a toy or focus to see toys more clearly. So until that time, it will all be about human interaction. When your little one is ready, offer first toys with features and colours that very young babies can see, hear, or touch. At this age, their senses aren’t fully developed, and offering stimulating toys can develop their senses by captivating their curiosity. 

• A baby cot mobile is a great starting-out toy. Cot mobiles are attached to the cot frame and provide interesting shapes, colours, sounds and movements for your baby to focus on. And there’s the bonus that your baby is in a safe place all the while. At first, your baby can only see black and white, but their sight will develop over the first few months, and having interesting colours and shapes will spark that development. 

• Teething rings and silicone teethers can provide interest as well as relief from teething pain. Safe, sustainable items like Trixie’s grasping toy are a really good option.  

• Tummy time! Another fantastic addition to your newborn’s toy box. Tummy time begins with lying your newborn on your chest. Gradually, they will strengthen their muscles and you can lie them on the floor, placing toys in front of them to reach for. 

• Soft books and toys are filled with exciting colours, textures and noises. These can provide endless interest and hugely improve motor skills and cognitive and problem-solving capabilities. Cosatto has a great range of high-quality soft toys to arouse the senses of your little bundle. 

Helpful Hint: It’s a good idea to rotate your baby’s toys to maintain their interest and curiosity. Try exchanging toys out every week or so.  

 

Simple Baby Play Activities 

Buying the latest toys and equipment isn’t always the most important thing for your baby. Remember, there’s loads you can do to develop and stimulate your loved one without spending any money at all. 

Just spending time playing with your perfect addition has tons of benefits. You can cement that special bond between mum and baby while all the time developing their important senses and skills. In those early weeks – you’ll be your baby’s most valuable plaything! When your new baby becomes a cuddly bundle eager to learn, there’s a huge array of toys to consider. But having a good imagination can be just as important.  

Try singing and making up rhymes. Telling stories and playing peekaboo will activate their senses and their imagination.  Going for walks to discover nature and the world around you will enthral and amaze little eyes. And joining a baby or toddler group will develop social skills – and don’t forget you’ll be able to have some social time too! 

 

Sensory Development in Babies 

You’ve probably heard about sensory development in babies, and this is part of baby play that really can’t be underestimated. Babies learn everything through their senses. They discover the world through sight, smell, touch, sound and taste. Research shows that stimulating a baby’s senses through play improves emotional, cognitive and physical development.  

You can develop your newborn baby's senses straight away as you navigate the first few weeks together. Simply experiencing their immediate environment will be enough at first. Faces, smells, music and stories will capture your loved one’s imagination. Be careful not to overstimulate your baby, as this can be distressing and overwhelming. Your baby will tell you when they’ve had enough by turning away or becoming restless. 

As time goes on, you can introduce toys that have been designed to draw on your baby's senses.  There are lots of sensory toys to choose from. Many claim to engage your baby and inspire them to learn more about their environment and what happens within it. Look out for touch and feel puzzles and toys, textured books, mirrors, light-up toys and musical rattles and toys. 

Important: Engaging the senses is a powerful way to engage the brain. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

How do I know if my newborn is playing? 

Your baby will be less interested in feeding and sleeping and they will become more active, moving their legs, arms and head around.   

What do newborns do when they’re awake? 

Awake time is spent feeding or focusing on their environment. Newborns stare and respond to sound and motion. They explore their surroundings, slowly becoming more attentive. 

When do babies have a sense of smell? 

Babies can smell when they are born, but it will develop more as they grow. A newborn baby can recognise their mother by smell even before they can see them. 

When do babies make choices about toys? 

At around three months old, babies will grasp and reach for toys, showing an interest. By nine months, they will develop favourite toys and choose what they enjoy playing with.  

 

Sky Rockets care about the health and well-being of our Sky Rockets families. We love researching all things baby and passing our knowledge and guidance on to our special families.