Playing with your baby can feel overwhelming! Social media is full of targeted content advertising the latest toys and contraptions you “absolutely need” to support the development of your child.
A common thread I hear from parents is that they aren’t always sure what to do with their little one during the day. Play is a foundational aspect of overall development, and it can feel intimidating to choose the right activities and toys for your child.
Fortunately, we all already have access to the best toy our babies can need – ourselves! Babies don’t need elaborate toys or perfectly planned activities. Babies need connection, repetition, and simple moments shared with the people who love them most. As Occupational Therapists, we spend a lot of time learning how babies develop, move, process sensory information, and interact with their environment, and we use that knowledge to turn everyday moments into meaningful opportunities for growth.
I’ve put together the play ideas below to give you confidence, inspiration, and reassurance that you’re already doing more right than you think. Little spurts of interaction throughout the day really do add up, and play doesn’t have to be complicated to be powerful.
Play Ideas to Try With Your Baby by Age
0-2 Months
Focus on calm, connected play
- Visual tracking: Show high contrast toys (think black, white, and red) or your face and gently move side-to-side to encourage eye movement in a variety of directions
- Face-to-face talking & singing: Your voice and expressions are powerful bonding and learning tools
- Purposeful touch: Use light massage and gentle touch to promote body awareness
- Tummy time on a your chest: A cozy way to build strength
- Sensory play: Exploration via different textures (blankets, stuffies, crinkle toys) and sounds (music, rattles or chimes)
2-4 Months
Encourage movement and curiosity
- Mirror play: Use mirrors for engagement and awareness of self
- Kicking and batting games: Place toys near hands and feet to encourage reaching and kicking
- Ankle and wrist rattles: Builds body awareness and purposeful movement
- Tummy time with toys: Use colorful objects or mirrors to increase strength and engagement
- Side-lying play: Makes it easier for baby to reach toys and explore
- Singing into routines: Nursery rhymes with rhythm make routines playful and memorable
4-6 Months
Build strength, increase interaction and develop early play skills
- Rolling practice: Encourage rolling in both directions
- Reaching and grasping play: Offer rattles, links, and other small toys to explore
- Supported sitting: Use your lap or a boppy pillow to help with upright play
- Peek-a-boo: Builds connection and early problem solving skills
- Read board books: Pictures, rhythm, and language build early literacy
- Mouth-safe toys: Rattles, teethers, and soft toys support oral exploration
A few guiding principles to keep in mind as you play:
- Follow your baby’s cues: Take breaks if your baby seems tired or overstimulated
- Keep it simple: Short, frequent play sessions throughout the day are perfect
- Use what you have: Household items like spoons, containers, and blankets make wonderful toys; rotate the items you already have to keep things fresh
- You are their favorite toy: Your voice, face, and touch are incredibly engaging and comforting
- Include everyone: Siblings, grandparents, caregivers, even pets, can all be part of your baby’s play world
You don’t need to entertain your baby all day. You just need to show up, be present, and enjoy watching your baby discover the world!
Wrapping Up
Every baby develops at their own pace, and sometimes families benefit from additional support along the way.
At Hummingbird, our therapists look at the whole child and the whole family. We understand that development is interconnected, which is why our multidisciplinary team collaborates closely to support babies and their caregivers. Depending on your child’s needs, that may include occupational therapy, physical therapy, feeding therapy, speech therapy, developmental support, and caregiver education.
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, or if you’d simply like guidance on how to support their growth through everyday play, our team is here to help.
Learn more about how we can support your child’s development from the very beginning.
Meet the author: Ms. Kailey, MOT, OTR/L