How can I help my baby to play?

March 10, 2023

There are few things to consider when choosing toys for your baby to play with dependent on what their visual levels are and always keep safety at the front of your mind when allowing your baby to explore everyday, household items.

Be aware of the following:

Try not to force a toy into your baby’s hand but allow them to either take the toy from you of explore it using the hand over hand method where their hand is placed over yours with space for their fingers to come between your fingers to feel the toy or sensory experience. This way they can quickly pull their hand away whilst having your security.
Try not to show your baby how to explore a toy but allow them to find their way. A sighted person will understand a toy or experience in a very different way to a visually impaired baby and don’t be disappointed if your baby enjoys the box which the toy arrived in or the sound of the toy when tapped rather than what the toy is for!
If your baby drops a toy, then try not to pick it up or bring it back to your baby as this will limit their skill of learning object permanency and spatial awareness. Try to bring your baby to the toy and when this isn’t possible, explain to your baby in simple language what you are doing.
Talk to your baby, explain what you are doing and name toys, actions and items for them.
Encourage your baby to explore a range of textures and smells from an early age to help reduce any sensory aversions.

Lighting

Try not to face your baby towards a window as this may be painful for them and the toy which they are exploring will not be well lit. Try to have their back to the window and if you are playing with them then face the window to allow your face to be well lit for easier interactions.
Consider having dimmed switches if your baby has light sensitivity. If the room is uncomfortably bright for them then they will most likely keep their eyes closed. Alternatively use blinds to tilt the light away or use your curtains.
Maybe use angled work lamps to focus on the toy or activity if your baby struggles with the room not being bright enough.

Contrast

If possible, choose toys which are brightly coloured or if having messy play then try using a contrasting coloured mat on the tabletop. Laminated coloured paper makes a cheap and easy range of contrasting, wipeable mats.
If your baby struggles or can’t see colours, maybe choose bold contrasting black and white toys.
A pile of toys or objects may become visually muddled for a baby to understand so you could try offering a smaller selection at a time to enable your baby to choose from and play with.

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