By Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H.
Do you know that when you play with your baby, you are helping him or her to learn while their brain is growing and making important connections? Babies and toddlers love to play, but play isn’t just fun, babies’ brains grow during play especially when they are using all five senses to take in information. Playing builds confidence, strong bodies and minds, helps to form loving relationships and builds the foundation for life-long learning.
You are your baby’s first and most important playmate. Your baby loves to hear you talk, sing, read, and chant nursery rhymes. Hearing language is how children learn to speak so immerse your baby in language. Make time to read to your baby. Reading is the most important activity you can do together. It’s never too early to start reading to your baby. Early reading helps children develop language and reading skills.
Simple toys like balls, rattles, blocks, cups and bowls and empty boxes are good choices for playtime. Your toddler loves scribbling and working with play dough, crayons and paints. Water play is another favorite. Fill up the sink with a little water and add plastic cups, funnels, strainers or empty ice cube trays; just be sure to supervise closely.
Kerri Kreh Reda, M.P.H., is a Human Development Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County’s Family Health and Wellness Program. She can be reached at 631-727-7850 ext. 330 or at kkr5@cornell.edu.