Babies learn about the world by using all of their senses. They seem to want to look, touch, taste and listen to everything that they encounter! They will explore objects by mouthing everything they can place their hands on, so it is important to make sure toys are clean and that items they might choke on are kept out of reach. When a baby chews on an object, she is learning about the physical characteristics of that object, and a bit about its function, like whether it is edible or not. She also learns about cause and effect when you - or a pet - react to her mouthing behavior!

For babies 2-6 months old, play can take many forms. When babies play they look, listen, touch, taste and move with the objects and people in their environment. Play provides them with the experience of connecting what they see with what they hear, touch or taste. Babies use all of their senses to learn and figure out how the world around them works. Baby may play by repeatedly dropping an object or swatting at the mobile over and over again. This repetition is the way baby explores and learns about the world around her.

Toys have a role in baby’s play at this age. You can give your baby interesting and safe toys with a variety of colors, textures and sizes. Watch to see which things your baby is most interested in, but don’t forget the importance of interacting with her. Because baby will soon realize that her actions have an effect on the caregivers and objects, she will enjoy playing verbal games in which you imitate her vocalizations and other games such as partial hide-n-seek of a favorite toy, or peek-a-boo.

At this age, your baby will enjoy play activities like pulling strips of magazine pages out of an empty tissue box. Be sure to avoid toxic newspaper or plastic bags or wrap! Your baby will push or throw toys to the floor. You can help her to learn to let go of objects by giving her a box or pan to drop toys into. You can let her see herself in a mirror that you place on the side of her crib or changing table – be sure to look into the mirror with her!

Smile a lot at your baby. Stick out your tongue and see if she will copy you. You will encourage her to respond to you as you talk. You can use routine activities such as a diaper change or waking from a nap as a special playtime for tickling toes and nose.

Playtime is bonding time for you and baby, so keep your interest up! Go ahead,raise your eyebrows, make faces, and be expressive! Your creativity in providing play experiences will make them much more enjoyable, interesting, and fun for baby and you.