How to start independent play for your baby.
Every moment you spend with your little one contributes to their physical and emotional development. With that said, it’s equally important to provide your child with space to explore and play independently. Solo play promotes crucial development skills such as creativity, problem-solving, resilience, and self-regulation.
The power of play is well documented in child development, with research showing it directly impacts brain structure and functioning. In addition, independent play has been linked to decreased levels of stress and anxiety in children resulting in improved sleep quality and duration.
Your little one’s ability to play independently grows with time and practice.
At 6 months, your baby may be content playing independently for 5 minutes.
At 12 months, they can manage about 15 minutes.
At 18 months, your little one may enjoy playing solo for up to 20 minutes.
At 2 years, your child will likely be confidently playing for 30 minutes or more.
No matter how old your little one is, you can start teaching them the skill of independent play, and we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to get you started.
Provide a safe space
Children are naturally curious and bursting with energy so giving them a space to explore on their own is important. But, of course, where your little one plays independently will depend on their age and level of development.
Here are some independent play location ideas based on age:
0-3 months – A floor gym or blanket is an excellent option for a younger baby. Stay in the room with your little one, but don’t interact with them during the play session.
3-6 months – During this development period, your baby will likely start to mobilize. As soon as your little one is moving, you will want to transition from the blanket to a playpen.
6-18 months – Your child is quite active by this stage and will benefit from a bigger playpen that allows for plenty of large motor play.
18 months-2 years – This is a transitional age where children may move from the playpen to their bedroom for independent playtime. Be guided by your child at this stage. If you feel they are ready to play safely in their room, go with it.
2 years or older – Most children this age have transitioned to independent play in their room. However, some little ones may still need the playpen, depending on their level of development.
Include many toys or playthings
Provide your little one with an assortment of toys to keep them amused. It is essential that your child has a selection of items to choose from, as this increases their sense of autonomy and creativity. It also means you may get a few more minutes to get something done, as a single toy may lose its luster and lead to boredom.
Have you ever found your child enjoys the cardboard box more than the toy inside?
Children love open-ended items to play with as it inspires creativity and imagination. Research has even shown that children who play with traditional toys over flashy electronic items experience an increase in language skills. So don’t underestimate the power of simple things such as pots and pans, measuring cups, and other household objects when creating your little one’s independent play collection.
Teach them
Independent play is a skill learned over time, and your little one will need your guidance. First, start the play session with your child, spark their imagination by introducing a game or activity and then move away to a location where your child can still see you but has enough room to play independently.
If your little one begins to lose interest, you can try to reengage them with a different activity before moving away again. This reduced attention is particularly common in younger children who may need more direction in their play. It is also essential to keep in mind the average time of solo play your child can manage according to their age and development.
Choose the right time
Your child should be well-rested and not hungry for independent play to be successful, so choose a time of day that works for your little one and try to stick to it.
As with most aspects of a baby’s life, consistency is key, and your child will soon learn the routine and enjoy the daily opportunity to flex their independence. As an added benefit, you may get a few moments to read or sip a coffee…enjoy.
Getting started
Teaching independent play takes time, and it is not always easy, especially if your little one suffers from separation anxiety. Remember that your child is used to the comfort of your presence and guidance and may feel a little lost with solo play initially.
If your little one is struggling with independent play, try these gentle steps to ease them into it:
Sit silently next to your child as they play but don’t join in.
Play with them for a few seconds and then walk away for a few seconds before returning to play. Slowly increase the time you spend away each day, and your child will learn to trust that you will return to them.
Extend your child’s engagement by asking questions. For example, if your little one is playing with blocks, you might ask if they can build a tower or create a pattern. This strategy helps your child to refocus their attention on the activity.
Your child will develop at their own pace, whether learning to play independently, talking, or sleeping through the night. Unfortunately, with the abundance of information on child development, parents can easily be overwhelmed with what their baby should be doing, resulting in unnecessary anxiety.
At My Sweet Sleeper, we understand that every child is different, so we offer one-on-one personalized coaching after thoroughly assessing your little one’s personality and family circumstances. We also provide an opportunity to connect with other parents in group coaching sessions for added support and a sense of community.
Reach out to us today to explore how we can help you and your little ones.
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