Playing with your baby does not have to be complicated. In the first year almost everything is play: looking at a face, hearing a sound, grabbing something or putting it in their mouth. What a baby enjoys does change quickly. On this page you can read how play changes stage by stage, which games you can play yourself and which toys help, such as play mats, rattles, music boxes and soft books.
Playing with your baby: how it changes in the first year
Every baby has their own pace, so see the ages below as a rough guide. Broadly speaking, there are four stages:
- The first weeks: looking at faces and listening to voices and sounds.
- Around 3 months: discovering their hands, batting at whatever hangs above them and lifting their head during tummy time.
- Around 4 to 6 months: reaching on purpose, holding, shaking and putting everything in their mouth.
- From 6 to 12 months: sitting, playing peekaboo, squeezing, biting and finding out what happens when they do something.
The first weeks: looking and listening
A newborn baby cannot see sharply yet. Their favourite thing to look at is your face, up close. So the best game is very simple: talk, sing and pull funny faces, and let them look at you calmly. If you notice that your baby looks away or gets restless, they have seen enough and it is time for a rest.
A musical mobile above the changing table gives them something to look at during nappy changes. Hang it out of reach. A music box with a calm tune is nice for the moments after playtime.
On their tummy: the first real playtime
Lying on their tummy is important for the neck and back muscles, but many babies find it difficult at first. Turn it into a game. Lie down next to them at eye level, or lay them on your chest while you lean back. Start with a few minutes at a time, when your baby is awake and rested.
A toy just in front of their face helps them lift their head. A squeaky toy that squeaks when you squeeze it catches their attention. A soft play mat gives a clean and soft surface, and many play mats have a mirror in which they can see themselves. Browse the play mats.
Grasping and feeling
Around three months, a baby discovers their own hands. At first they hit a toy by accident, a few weeks later they reach for it on purpose. Hang toys within reach from the arch of the play mat, and swap them now and then so it stays exciting. For extra hanging toys, see the baby gym toys.
As soon as they can hold something, a rattle is a good first toy: they hear straight away that their movement makes a sound. Choose one that is light and fits easily in a small hand. Browse the rattles.
Feeling is just as important as looking. A soft activity book with crinkly pages, different fabrics and a mirror offers lots to discover. Read together, point at pictures and name what you see. That way they learn early on to listen to your voice and to words.
Exploring: from 6 to 12 months
In the second half of the first year, a baby starts to sit up and gets a better grip. They throw things away to see what happens, and they love it when you pick them up again. This is also the time for peekaboo: hide your face behind your hands or a cloth and pop out again. That way they learn that something is still there, even when they cannot see it for a moment.
When the first teeth come through, they want to chew on everything. A teething ring or a teething toy made of natural rubber gives them something safe to bite on. Only give it while they are awake and someone is with them. Browse the teething rings and teething toys.
Squeezing becomes fun now too: squeezing a soft toy and hearing it squeak. Show them first, then let them try it themselves. Play with it together: squeeze, wait a moment and see how they react. That way they learn that you take turns, the basis of every conversation.
Playing on the go
You can play together outside the house too. During a walk, name what you see, such as a dog, a bike or a tree. On the pram, an activity spiral or a hanging toy keeps them busy when you are not walking right beside them. See the stroller toys. Take a small comforter along for a familiar feeling in a new place. Browse the comforters.
After playing: time for rest
Playing is hard work for a baby. After a while of playing, they need rest. If they rub their eyes, yawn or turn their head away, stop playing and make things calm. Put them to sleep in a safe sleeping environment: in the first year in a baby sleeping bag, without cuddly toys or comforters in the cot.
Playing safely
- Only let your baby lie on the play mat or on their tummy while they are awake and someone is with them.
- Check the age on the packaging or the product page. Some squeaky toys, for example, are only suitable from 6 months.
- Check toys regularly for loose parts or wear.
- Cuddly toys and comforters do not go in the cot in the first year.
All toys at a glance
This page shows toys that help when playing with your baby. Looking for something specific, such as a cuddly toy, a musical mobile or a car seat toy? In our overview of baby toys you will find all toys by type and by age.
Ordering from Tiny Giggles
Order before 1pm, shipped the same working day. Shipping is free from €49 within the Netherlands and from €69 to Belgium and Germany, and we deliver to all EU countries.
Frequently asked questions
How long should you spend playing with your baby?
There is no set time. Follow your baby: as long as they look interested, all is well. If they look away or get restless, it is time for a rest.
From when can you play with a baby?
From the very first day. Talking, singing and looking at each other already counts as play for a newborn.
How do you make tummy time more fun?
Lie next to them at eye level, put a toy or mirror in front of their face, or let them lie on your chest. Start with short moments.
Which toys suit playing with your baby?
A play mat, a rattle, a soft activity book and later a teething ring or squeaky toy. You will find everything among the baby toys.
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