Joy Parenting Club

Babies are capable of choosing what to play with when given a few different options within their reach, but this doesn’t mean your baby will always initiate play without a little nudge from you. Here’s how you can spark your baby’s interest in their toys when you notice they don’t seem to be connecting:

Play with them.Connection time is a necessary precursor to independent focus. When you place your baby down for tummy time or floor play, stay with them, put your phone down, and give them your full attention. Take out an activity and offer to work on it together. When babies feel confident in their play space, they will have an easier time making play choices!

Give them an “intro lesson”.It can be hard to play with something that is challenging and new! Break the ice for your baby by making a point to model an activity for them. Sometimes, babies need more guidance on how stuff works.

Quietly play with their toys when they’re nearby. You might feel silly doing this, but it works! When your baby is nearby, start playing with one of their toys all by yourself. Let your baby watch you and see if it inspires them to try. They might want to try right away, but they might prefer to keep watching you and take their turn later.

1. Play with them.Connection time is a necessary precursor to independent focus. When you place your baby down for tummy time or floor play, stay with them, put your phone down, and give them your full attention. Take out an activity and offer to work on it together. When babies feel confident in their play space, they will have an easier time making play choices!
2. Give them an “intro lesson”.It can be hard to play with something that is challenging and new! Break the ice for your baby by making a point to model an activity for them. Sometimes, babies need more guidance on how stuff works.
3. Quietly play with their toys when they’re nearby. You might feel silly doing this, but it works! When your baby is nearby, start playing with one of their toys all by yourself. Let your baby watch you and see if it inspires them to try. They might want to try right away, but they might prefer to keep watching you and take their turn later.

If these strategies don’t work and your baby perpetually ignores their current toys, it could be time to double-check that the toys available are stage-appropriate. If things are too easy, baby will grow bored. If things are too hard, baby will grow frustrated. Finding that “just-right” challenge level is key to maintaining baby’s interest in their play.