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How a Baby Plays Play is one of the main ways that children learn about themselves, their family and their environment. It is crucial that infants are given the opportunity to play with their caregivers and with toys. Birth to Three Months During this early stage, a baby’s play will consist of fingers, faces, and looking at objects. Rattles and other toys which make noise will help a baby learn to listen for sounds. Infants in this age group enjoy following objects as they are moved around in their field of vision. Infants in this age group also enjoy watching mobiles that are attached to their crib. Three to Six Months During the age of three to six months, babies become more interested in objects. When choosing a toy for an infant in this age group, choose toys that are bright and colorful. Babies in this age group seem to prefer the colors of red and blue. Toys which make noise or make music are fascinating to babies in this age group. Babies in this age group can become attached to certain toys. It may take them a couple of weeks to become comfortable with a new toy. Toys should be purchased which are similar to favorite toys in an attempt to broaden the baby’s exploration without scaring them. Six to Ten Months When introducing a new toy to an infant that is between six and ten months, demonstrate how the toy works. If the toy is a doll or stuffed animal, cuddling the toy will show the baby how to play with it. An infant in this age group should not be offered more than two or three toys to play with at a time. Babies in this age group may play with a toy in a way that is not expected. For instance, a baby may choose to put a plastic doughnut on their arm instead of the stick that is provided. This type of behavior is normal and the child should be left alone. Babies in this age group may show interest in household objects such as pots and pans. Ten to Twelve Months Babies in this age group generally benefit from objects which are similar to adult objects. A baby may like to have a shopping stroller, shovel, bucket, riding toy and books. Large puzzles and shape sorters can be given to the child. He or she may prefer to play with these pieces separately until they learn how to use them properly. Babies this age usually enjoy listening to stories. They also like to play in things such as boxes, or in empty cabinets.
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