Floor time offers babies time to explore their surroundings freely. It is an excellent way for babies to develop their motor skills, learn about their environment, and interact with their caregivers.
Here are some tips on how to set up a space for your newborn's floor time:
Define it in a room where you naturally spend time, like a family room. The floor space should be free of clutter and hazards and in a place where you naturally gather during baby’s wakeful rhythms. To define the space, put a rug, mat, or blanket down to provide a soft surface for your baby to lie on. Ruggable has machine-washable play rugs with the option to choose a cushioned mat underneath! We recommend simple patterns like this one to prevent visual overstimulation in young babies and toddlers.
Make sure the space is well-lit. Find floor space near a window where natural lighting can help your baby see their surroundings. You can also take your baby outside and lay them on a blanket in the shade so they can see the light reflecting from the trees, hear the noise around them, etc. This outdoor blanket by Aden and Anias is well-loved.
Add safe, interesting objects. Put safe playthings within your baby's reach, such as toys, mirrors, or books. This will encourage them to explore their surroundings and develop their motor skills. These Lakeshore Learning sensory mirror balls are highly intriguing to babies!
Consider a low infant play shelf, like this one by Sprout Kids Furniture, to hold your baby’s first toys. This can keep the space orderly while also doubling as a divider in the room. A visual divider can be handy to cue older siblings to navigate baby’s space more carefully. An alternative to a shelf is baskets for holding toys, which can be placed at the edges of baby’s rug or mat. These rope baskets on Amazon are great for holding infant toys.
Overall, be patient and stay close to supervise. It may take some time for your baby to adjust to floor time. When floor time becomes a regular part of your daily routines together, your baby will grow to love taking in the world around them while building confidence in their ability to self-discover.