Baby Play 9 to 12 Months

Around 9 months

• Provide opportunities to crawl by placing them on their tummy – put a brightly coloured toy just out of their reach. Sometimes allowing them to use your hands to push their feet against will help them move. Give lots of verbal encouragement.
• Bath time is now great fun as your baby learns to sit on their own, they will become very adventurous and will play with sponges, floating toys, bubbles, cups. Never leave them alone in the bath.
• Play simple games like “peek-a-boo”, “this little piggy”, and “round and round the garden.”
• As your baby becomes more active provide toys that help develop their movement skills e.g. a cardboard box to crawl through, sand and water play, a push along wagon and pull–along toys.    

Digital technology and baby

Babies are very attracted to the rapidly changing colours and bright lights of many digital devices. However, it is strongly advised that parents avoid or limit exposing their babies to television, computers, tablets, mobile devices and playstations. There is no evidence that television or digital devices will help with your baby’s learning. Interacting with people is the best way to enhance your baby’s learning. 

Reading to your baby

• Babies love books. They provide opportunities to tell stories using descriptive language.
• Remember to position baby so they can see your face as you read to them.
• eBook readers are fine to use occasionally but a balance is needed as your baby may miss developing the fine motor skills that are required to turn pages of a hard covered book.

Music

Playing music and making music with your baby, is a very positive and enjoyable activity and key to supporting baby’s development. 

Start by singing nursery rhymes and doing the actions. Move to the rhythm of the music while holding your baby.

As your baby grows, they will enjoy making music by banging on a saucepan with a wooden spoon or banging on a toy drum.