When it comes to parenting, one of the most important skills you can teach your child is the ability to play independently. Not only will this help your child develop important skills, but it will also give you a chance to take a break or get some work done (or just watch them in wonder) while your little one entertains themselves. Here are some tips for promoting independent play in babies:
START EARLY
It’s never too early to encourage independent play. I often have parents asking me when they can let their baby play on their own, and 99% of the time the answer is “now!” You can begin by placing your baby on a soft mat or playpen with some toys within reach and gradually move out of their direct line of sight but still within view As they grow, you can give them more space for longer periods of time and watch as they start taking on new tasks and interests!
Rotate toys
One way to keep your child interested in their toys is to rotate them regularly. This helps maintain their novelty and prevent boredom and over-stimulaton, and also works toward the goal of your child engaging more deeply with each toy. I generally see toys being rotated on a weekly basis, but there’s noting wrong with adjusting your timing in response to your little one’s interest and engagement with the items they have available. Toy rotation is also part of Montessori parenting, which you can learn more about in this blog post.
Let them make choices
Allowing your child to choose which toys to play with and how they want to play with them can help them develop their problem-solving and decision-making skills. As adults we often picture a “right way” for toys to be played with, but for babies this isn’t usually the case until they’re older and more able to complete slightly-complex tasks (although even then play doesn’t always look like we imagine). We can foster confidence and excitement in learning through play by encourage little ones to use their imagination and explore different ways to play with toys.
Avoid over-stimulatioN
While it’s important to provide your baby with a variety of opportunities in play, it’s equally important to avoid over-stimulation. Too many toys or activities can overwhelm a baby and make it difficult for them to focus on one thing, which can result in meltdowns and tantrums in older kiddos. Over-stimulation can also have a negative impact on sleep, so I encourage offering any high-stimulation toys and activities early in wake windows and away from bedtime.
CHECK FOR A SAFE ENVIRONMENT
Nothing ruins a baby toy party like a boo-boo. Make sure your child’s play environment is safe before allowing them to explore independently, and again if you’re going to leave the room at all (parents have to pee too!). This will also help you relax and enjoy watching your baby play or get things done without constantly having to re-check that there’s nothing dangerous in their reach.
Promoting independent play in babies and toddlers is an important part of their development, and by starting early with these principles in mind you’ll be watching your baby explore on their own in no time!
