Every wiggle, giggle, and toy toss is a step in a baby’s learning journey. At our centre, play nurtures connection, confidence, and discovery—showing us that even the tiniest acts can hold the biggest lessons.
As a kaiako working with infants, I witness something magical every day: babies discovering their world through play. It may look simple—shaking a rattle, babbling at a mirror—but these small acts are powerful first steps in learning and development.
I remember one little one who had just started tummy time. At first, it was frustrating for her. But after a few days, she discovered a soft ball just within reach. Her determination to get to it—inch by inch—was incredible to watch. That moment wasn't just play; it was her building muscle strength, focus, and resilience.
Toys as Tools for Growth
We fill our infant space with simple, open-ended toys that stimulate curiosity and support early skills:
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Soft blocks help with grasping and hand-eye coordination.
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Mirrors encourage babies to focus, track movement, and recognise facial expressions.
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Textured cloths or sensory scarves introduce new tactile experiences.
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Cause-and-effect toys (like pop-up boxes or crinkly books) teach babies that their actions have power.
We also rotate toys regularly to keep curiosity alive and help babies focus without overstimulation.
The Power of Repetition
One of our little learners loves dropping toys over the side of his chair—again and again. And every time we pick it up, he grins. What seems repetitive to us is real learning for him. He's testing gravity, memory, and social interaction (not to mention keeping us on our toes!).
Play Builds Connection
Some of our most meaningful moments happen during shared play. A simple game of peekaboo brings out the biggest laughs—and it’s more than just fun. It builds trust, predictability, and emotional bonds.
Songs with actions, like "Twinkle, Twinkle" or "If You’re Happy and You Know It", are classroom favourites. Babies love the rhythm, facial expressions, and motions—and these support language development and rhythm awareness too.
Tips for Encouraging Play at Home
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Follow your baby’s lead. Let them show you what interests them—even if it’s a shoelace or a wooden spoon!
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Talk through play. Narrate what’s happening: “You found the red ball! It rolled away!”
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Create a safe play space. A blanket and a few age-appropriate toys are enough.
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Don’t rush to ‘teach’. Repetition, exploration, and joy are the best teachers.
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Make everyday moments playful. Bath time, nappy changes, and mealtimes are perfect for songs, peekaboo, and sensory fun.
Play is how babies practise life
As a kaiako, I feel honoured to witness their curiosity bloom every day. It reminds me that even the smallest moments of play are full of learning, joy, and connection.