How to support healthy development through play
We all want our babies to have the best opportunity to develop and reach those all-important milestones in the lead-up to their first birthday. Here are a few helpful ways to support healthy development through play at nine months of age.
Choose educational toys with multiple benefits
Essie de Jager, a trained early-childhood teaching professional and passionate caregiver at Tjokkertuin Childcare Centre in Malmesbury, says that most babies are happy to play with common household items, but if parents want to invest in a few educational toys, they should look out for items that benefit their babies in multiple ways.
“Choose toys that help your child to discover independence, build a positive self-esteem and stimulate their imagination and creativity. This would include items that focus on problem-solving and playing with others. The latter is important because it teaches children how to share and handle conflict,” she recommends.
Make opportunities for play throughout the day
“Babies love to interact with their parents,” says Essie. “Make the most of the time you spend with them by creating opportunities for play For example, you could use diaper time to name their body parts or pieces of clothing. Even at such a young age, language acquisition can be promoted.”
Tickle and make jokes
Essie says that parents shouldn’t underestimate the power of a good old-fashioned tickle game. “Tickling your baby, making little jokes and getting them to smile and interact is a great way to stimulate their sense of humour,” she recommends.
Get the mirror out
“Mirrors are a fun way to keep babies entertained at this age,” says Essie. “Get out your shatterproof hand-mirror, or prop them up in front of a mirror that has been securely mounted against the wall so they can see themselves. It makes for endless entertainment and teaches them to recognise themselves as an entity apart from others. Just be sure to choose mirrors that can’t break or injure your baby in any way.”
Don’t forget tummy time
“It's very important to place your baby on their stomach for little stretches at a time while they're awake. Just be sure to place them on the ground and that there is someone who can provide supervision at all times. Tummy time improves motor skills, strengthens the neck and shoulders and stimulates core development,” Essie advises.
Let the music play
“Put on some baby-appropriate music (i.e. soothing or uplifting, and not too loud), and sing along while making eye contact with your baby. This stimulates social development, language development, emotional regulation and parent-child bonding all in one go,” Essie explains.
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