Playtime at the hospital for babies up to 12 months

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Play gives babies the opportunity for social interaction and learning. Find examples of appropriate toys for hospitalized babies from birth to 12 months.

Key points

  • Play is how babies learn to interact and be social with others, and learn about the world around them.
  • It is important for a baby to play while they are in the hospital; it helps them to reconnect with family and maintain home life experiences, it promotes happiness, and can distract from pain and anxiety.

Why play is so important for babies

For babies, play is more than fun. Play is how babies learn, especially at this very young age. While playing, babies learn to interact and be social with others. They also learn about the world in general.

Being at the hospital is disruptive to a baby's life. Play is one way to reconnect with family and maintain home life experiences. The more babies play, the happier they become. Happiness promotes recovery. Play can also distract a baby from pain and anxiety.

Many hospitals have child life specialists who provide developmentally appropriate programs and can offer resources to your family.

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Playtime: birth to 3 months

Here are some ideas for playtime:

  • mobiles: black and white, simple patterns, close to face (8 to 12 inches)
  • cradle gym
  • soothing music
  • voices, particularly those of primary caregivers
  • stuffed toys: small, bean-filled toys are very good for resting against a child
  • squeaking toys
  • crib mirror

Safety alert

Toys must be free of sharp edges, removable pieces, non-flammable, non-toxic and large enough so that your child cannot put the toy in their mouth.

Playtime: 3 to 6 months

Here are some ideas for playtime:

  • mobiles: colourful, more complex patterns or faces, near to or far from face
  • cradle gym
  • soothing music
  • voices, particularly those of primary caregivers
  • stuffed toys: small, bean-filled toys are very good for resting against a child
  • squeaking toys
  • rattles, easily grasped objects
  • rings, blocks, plastic keys, "noisy toys"
  • large, soft toys such as soft balls
  • crib mirror
  • peek-a-boo
  • free motor play such as sitting or rolling over on a mat

Safety alert

At this age, babies can roll out of bed.

Playtime: 6 to 9 months

Here are some ideas for playtime:

  • crib mirror
  • push and pull toys
  • touch and response toys
  • water play and bath toys
  • manipulative toys: blocks, stacking rings
  • noise-making toys
  • sturdy cardboard picture books
  • peek-a-boo
  • music

Safety alert

At this age, babies may put sharp objects in their mouths. They may also explore their environment without fear. Therefore, you need to make the environment safe.

Playtime: 9 to 12 months

Here are some ideas for playtime:

  • sturdy cardboard pictures
  • books
  • brightly coloured objects
  • music and rhythm
  • touch and response toys
  • manipulative toys: blocks, stacking rings
  • repetitive activities: peek-a-boo, toss and retrieve, patty cake, mimicking
  • water play
  • stuffed toys, soft dolls
  • balls, rubber toys
  • push and pull toys

Safety alert

At this age, babies may do the following:

  • Put small or sharp objects in their mouths.
  • Explore their environment without fear. Therefore, you need to make the environment safe.
  • Fall easily.

They also cannot tell the difference between harmful substances and harmless ones.

Do not give your baby objects with small, removable parts.

Last updated: September 28th 2009