Collection: Skip Hop

There are a number of ways you can help your toddler learn through play. One way is to provide a variety of toys and props that will allow them to explore different textures, sounds, shapes, and sizes. You can also encourage them to participate in pretend play by giving them props like hats, aprons, and kitchen utensils. This will all encourage them to be more curious about the world around them and help the development of motor and sensory skills. Playing with toys provides a positive and fun learning environment so make sure that the toys you are purchasing have some form of educational value to make playtimes productive.

As technology advances so do the electronic toys coming to market for babies and children. This is no bad thing as electronic toys can be smart solutions to helping children learn letters, numbers, and shapes in an exciting and engaging way. They can also encourage important milestones such as crawling, for example through ‘follow me’ toys, and self awareness through toys that they can see their own face in. The main disadvantage of electronic toys is that they can be addicting. Children may become so engrossed with the toy that they ignore the people around them and do not learn to share and interact with others during playtime.

Some babies are content just to lie in their crib and observe the world around them, while others want to be held and played with constantly as they are more tactile learners.
Generally speaking, paediatricians recommend starting regular playtime when your baby is around two or three months old. This is when they begin to develop a more mature neurological system and can start reacting more positively to stimuli.
However, every child is unique and will require different amounts of stimulation at different times. If they are very young, sometimes singing, talking or reading to your baby will be enough to keep them entertained or if they are very curious and engaged you may want to start introducing toys a little earlier. No matter the age, playing with your newborn helps to develop a strong bond between you and your baby, and can help to stimulate your baby's brain development, so the earlier they are exposed to play the better.

The best way to help your newborn learn is by interacting with them and providing a stimulating environment. Make eye contact, talk to them, and sing to them. Play peek-a-boo, read children's books, and show them objects of different colours and shapes. Be patient and positive, and your baby will soon be learning new things every day!

There are many benefits of a play mat for babies. You can learn more about what these are by reading our blog post, but here are some of the most notable:

• Providing a soft surface for your baby to play on that is safe and comfortable.
• Promoting creativity and exploration as babies learn about their surroundings.
• Helping aid development of fine motor skills as your baby manipulates accessories on the mat.
• Encouraging muscle development as baby stretches, kicks, and scoots around on the mat.
• Stimulating auditory and visual senses with various textures, colours, and patterns on the mat.