In the world of baby play, one simple item that often gets overlooked but holds incredible fascination for your little one, a mirror.
Mirrors are captivating for babies because they provide a chance to engage in self-discovery. As your baby gazes into the mirror, they encounter a reflection of their own – even though they won't recognize it's their reflection until about 15-24 months old! Still, gazing in the mirror is highly captivating for them.
Mirror play satisfies their love of analyzing faces, and it also:
Builds focus
Fosters early social skills
Inspires cooing, smiling, and practice reaching for the mirror with their hands
Motivates longer tummy-time stretches
Offers cause-and-effect lessons; they realize their movements elicit responses from their reflection.
Incorporating a mirror into your baby's playtime can be an enriching and delightful experience for both of you. Not only does it captivate their attention and provide entertainment, but it also supports their cognitive, social, and visual development in meaningful ways.
Pro tip: Go for a large mirror that will captivate your baby’s attention for a long time and provide a full view of the room! This one by ECR4Kids is great. It can safely be used horizontally for infant floor play and then as a wardrobe mirror during toddlerhood.