Baby's Play And Toys - Aged 3-6 Months
By 3–4 months, playtime could be 30 minutes several times a day, including at least 10-15 minutes of tummy time. They’ll be responding to your voice, interacting more, and using a wider range of sounds.
By 4-5 months, your baby will probably be able to push up on their arms while on their tummy, hold that position for a short time and roll from their tummy to their back.
Baby’s interest in coloured toys and objects is increasing as they start to reach, grasp and explore objects in their mouth. Toys they can hold and safely put in their mouth help them to learn hand to mouth co-ordination in preparation for feeding themselves. Give them toys that are lightweight and small enough to be grasped, such as a small rattle with a handle or a rubber ring. Babies love toys that have different textures to feel and put in their mouth, as well as anything that makes a noise when shaken.
By 6 months, playtime may be one hour several times a day. Your baby may now be able to roll from their back to their tummy. They will be more interested in exploring their world and move around the floor in preparation for crawling.
Ideas for play at home
- While cradling your baby in your arms, give them toys to hold.
- During tummy time on the floor, place toys on the rug close to your baby, so they can reach for them.
- During time in the rocker or bouncer, use an activity gym with toys or rattles that dangle within reach.
- Place the rocker where your baby can watch you and talk to them while doing your housework.
- Play music or sing nursery rhymes to your baby – they love listening to your voice.
- Introduce them to simple picture books if you haven’t already.
- Place the pram in the garden or by a window where they can watch the trees.
Safety tips
- Babies of this age put everything in their mouth, so make sure toys don’t have sharp edges or small pieces that could come off easily and be swallowed.
- Buy toys that are not small enough to fit entirely in their mouth (as they might choke).
- Choose toys that you can wash.
- If you allow pets near babies or small children, ensure they are constantly supervised.
- Use a bouncer or rocker chair with caution, because as baby grows they may push off with their feet and use their body weight to tip it over.
- Always make sure that baby is supervised during playtimes.
