As parents, we all want the best for our little ones, and playtime is a wonderful opportunity to nurture their growth and independence. Promoting development and confidence is key for us at doddl. Like doddl, Etta Loves also understand the importance of combining fun, engaging and age appropriate learning, That’s why doddl and Etta Loves products are designed to support your baby's development while encouraging their budding self-sufficiency. We asked Etta Loves for their top tips on how to play with your baby:
Sensory Development in Newborns
The early months of life are crucial as your baby’s brain is like a tiny sponge, experiencing everything for the first time and being exposed to the world around them. That's why it's so important to engage them in activities that stimulate their senses, challenge their problem-solving skills, and foster their independence. Parents often ask us how to play with babies who can’t ‘do’ much, or what to do in those awake windows to encourage tiredness for sleep - we have you covered!
Sensory exploration is one of the best ways to support your baby as it encourages their development through play and keeps them engaged and entertained in their wake windows.
Tummy Time
Tackling tummy time for example - if you prop up a sensory strip, your baby will be encouraged to lift their head to look at our clever (and scientifically scaled) prints. This supports the development of their back, neck and shoulder muscles, as well as the visual support they get from the sensory strip. They can do it independently while you watch them and enjoy a well-earned cuppa.
The Etta Loves sensory flashcards are great for the early days, when your baby first starts to track objects and images in front of them. Slowly move the flashcards from left to right, about 12 inches from their face, and watch them learn to see in front of your very eyes.
The sensory grasp ball is a great sensory toy that supports independent play from the beginning and the play naturally evolves as the infant gets older. First the baby will be interested in the dalmatian print as it is perfectly scaled for their vision from 0-4 months. Then they will notice the gentle bell that sounds when the ball is rolled or shaken. They will start to reach for the ball, wanting to grab it and pull it closer. Once they can sit, babies will love shaking the ball themselves, throwing/dropping it and having it rolled back to them. This develops not only their vision, but their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.
Don’t Stress!
Try not to over-think if you’re doing it right or wrong, parenting is hard enough. Every baby is unique, and the most important thing is to follow their lead, encourage their interests, and make playtime a joyful and engaging experience. With Etta Loves products by your side, you can rest assured that they are not just playing - they are developing their skills in front of your very eyes.