PLAY TIME!

Play helps babies learn about the world around them

Play is essential to all areas of development

Play helps babies learn to interact with others

THE JOB OF A BABYIS TO PLAY

Developmentally Appropriate (DAP)—Toys, activities, and tasks that are appropriate for a child of a certain age based on abilities.

DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE

Younger InfantsGently shake, stretch,

and exercise the baby’s arms and legs

Make noise with a rattle or other toy

Place colorful toys where a baby can learn to reach for them

Make funny faces for the baby to smile at

Older InfantsPeek-a-boo and clapping

gamesPlace toys just out of

the baby’s reach to encourage crawling

TicklingSplashing in waterReading from simple

books with big pictures

DAP ACTIVITIES FOR INFANTS

Babies have an inborn need to explore

They explore through their senses

Cause and effect is a major part of exploration

EXPLORATION

TOYS ARE THETOOLS OF LEARNING

Birth to 3 Months:Bright colors, moving

objects, interesting sounds

Black and white contrasting designs

Human-like faces (especially eyes)

Simple rattles and teethers

Toys suspended above or to the side of infant for grasping

DAP TOYS FOR INFANTS

4 to 6 Months:Stimulate sense of

touch—texturesThings to handle,

shake, bang, suck, and chew

Stuffed toys, esp. ones with squeakers

Simple picture books

DAP TOYS FOR INFANTS

7-9 Months:Things that make

noiseTexturesThings that can be

moved, pushed, kicked, or thrown

Blocks, stackable rings

DAP TOYS FOR INFANTS

10 to 12 Months:Things to push or pullThings to manipulateThings to empty and

fillThings that fit togetherThings that hide and

reappearBathtub toysPicture books

DAP TOYS FOR INFANTS

Look for toys that: Encourage participation and use Have multiple uses/help babies learn multiple

things Will remain interesting long term Are easily washable/cared for Are safe

Toys do not have to be expensive to be fun! Many common household items

make great toys

CHOOSING TOYS

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has safety regulations for toys. Manufacturers must design and make their products to meet these standards.

TOY SAFETY

Made of durable and

unbreakable material

Non-flammable

Free of sharp points, corners,

or edges

Free of places that can pinch fingers or toes

Too large to be swallowed or

choked on

Made with non-toxic paint and

materials

Has cords or string no

longer than 12 inches

Labels for safe use and age

appropriateness

What Reading TeachesBook Handling

Turning pages, looking right-side up

Picture Recognition Identifying, finding, and

naming objectsSound Recognition

Imitating sounds, understanding that letters represent sounds

Books are Fun! Enjoying books

READING TO INFANTS

Look for books that:Have simple texts,

include familiar thingsHave rhymes and

rhythmsHave textures to feel

or flaps to manipulateHave lots of bright,

simple pictures, especially faces

CHOOSING BOOKS