As renown psychologist, Jean Piaget aptly puts it, “play is the work of childhood”, indeed what seems like child’s play in adults’ eyes, is actually hard work for these little people. The rattling of rattles, rolling of balls, banging on pots and pans, and squishing fluffy soft toys are all part of developing the many skills that prepare babies for a wholesome childhood.
Speedy Gonzales, Watch Me Go!
You will notice that at 9–12 months old, your baby is always on the move, getting his hands on everything, learning to solve problems (getting around obstacles to get his toys), examining (hmm, should I eat the blue block or the red block?), and testing his boundaries (let’s see if mama will shout “no” if I throw this!). He is curious and bright eyed about the world around him (ooo, shiny!) and he is now learning to point and ask for things by making sounds. He also learns that he can get a reaction from the adults if he behaves a certain way (maybe if I cry now, I’ll get to come down from the highchair!).
Play is therefore crucial to development because it promotes cognitive, physical, emotional, and the social well-being of a child; while playing, a child engages his or her imagination and dexterity – contributing to healthy brain development, too. Play also provides a perfect opportunity for parents to connect and interact with their children. As babies learn to conquer their world, play – whether directed or free play – will help develop new capabilities in them that will shape their personality, confidence, and strength to overcome obstacles.
Let us now take a look at the developmental skills your baby gains through play and what you can do to encourage it.
Gross Motor Skills
Between the ages of 9 and 12 months old, babies become more and more aware of the world surrounding them through the use of their 5 senses (tools) – sight/eyes, smell/nose, taste/mouth, sound/ears, and touch/hand; they now have more control of their hands and fingers, and of course, they put everything they pick up right into their mouths – a total eeeek for parents, but that’s how they explore and learn!
During these months before she begins to walk confidently, she starts to stand and scoot sideways around the room by holding on to furniture – this exercise will help develop her muscles and coordination skills.
Create a safe space for your baby to explore; she will enjoy playing with soft blocks, balls, push-pull walkers, and stacking toys. Get down to her level on the floor and show her how to stack toys working in order or help her get in position before a sturdy push-pull walker and guide her in walking while standing right behind to support her. Show her how to roll a ball and let her imitate you, you may also give your child squeeze toys in the bath for some splashing fun! All these will help develop your child’s gross motor skills.
Fine Motor Skills
These are the small, precise movements your baby can do at this age, which include picking objects with his pincer grasp (the coordination of the index finger and thumb to hold an object), turning pages of a book, sitting upright, and coordinating eye and hand movement.
It is interesting to note that at this stage, babies are beginning to be aware of the difference between their right and left hand and are inclined to use their dominant hand in carrying out activities.
It is important that parents are actively interacting with the child; you will observe that your baby is much more active, thus play-based learning is highly recommended to encourage the development of your baby’s fine motor skills.
Self-feeding is a great way to play and train children’s fine motor skills as they practice picking up small pieces of food using their fingers and dropping them into their mouth or onto the floor (depending on the level of liking for the food!).
When your child is feeding herself, give her the space to play with the food as she decides what she likes eating and what not – this process teaches her self-regulation as she learns to recognize and respond to when she is hungry or full.
Another beneficial activity is giving your child a big baby book to practice flipping the pages – this will help her hand and eye coordination.
Cognitive Skills
At around 9 months old, your baby will understand better the concept of cause and effect; this means he can relate to the idea of pressing a button to get the music playing on the toy. Object permanence now makes more sense to him as he searches for his favourite toy car that rolls off under the sofa, and when you leave the room, he knows he can “summon” you back by making noise, crying, or even mimicking the sound “mama”. As your child approaches his first birthday, you will notice that he is getting better and better at communicating using his gestures, facial expressions, and sounds.
Continue to play games like peekaboo and hide-and-seek with your baby, you may add variations to the game as your baby is older now: hide a toy and asked your child “where did it go?” Then, slowly make it reappear, cover your face with a blanket and let him pull it off, or cover his face while you pull off the blanket with a “there you are”! No matter what variations you introduce, they will be great fun with your baby.
Reading is also an awesome activity. Try to read in a sing-song tone, which will attract your baby’s attention. As you read, point to the pictures, and make an association between the illustrations and the words. Choose age-appropriate books with big, colourful illustrations that will pique your baby’s interest.
Play To Thrive
Growing is an exciting process and “play” plays a ginormous part in shaping a wholesome, well-functioning, and well-adjusted child, with impacts lasting into adulthood. It is important then to consider choosing toys that stimulate a child’s learning and development. Safe to say, Play
The Fisher-Price® Linkimals
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Last but not least, do spend some time to check this video out and get ready to get into the groove with your little one!
Only The Best For You, Baby!
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*Additional Linkimals