Welcome to the start of our new series of play ideas for the very youngest children: SUPERbaby play. Each Monday I’m going to be bringing you an idea you can use to give babies great start in life. I’ll be covering ideas to develop all of your babies senses, in a gentle, playful way. I’ll include ideas you can use with newborns right through until they reach their first birthday (when they can graduate to some of our grown up ideas!). The activities can be adapted to suit older children too, so big brothers and sisters can join in.

Why SUPERbaby? Well, I think babies are super. From birth they are clever little people observing the world and learning from everything they see, touch, hear, taste and smell. I hope the SUPERbaby articles will give you some ideas you can try as you nurture your tiny little learner.

The ideas I’m going to include in SUPERbaby play are Simple, because I know that parents with new babies are very busy anyway, and in need of sleep, so the activities will be things you can do without having to stick to a rigid regime, buy any expensive equipment or spend a whole hour getting ready. Most of the ideas just need you and your baby to join in.

I recognise that you and your baby are Unique. Although there are average ages when babies smile, sit by themselves, learn to crawl and so on, every baby is different. I also know that different babies (and parents) like different activities. The SUPERbaby ideas cover all sorts of sensory play and will fit with your babies stage, rather than their age – so you can use them all if you want, or just pick some of them to try.

The ideas are Playful. NurtureStore is all about learning through play and the SUPERbaby ideas follow the same philosophy of having  fun whilst encouraging your baby to develop to their full potential.

The ideas are Educational because, although your baby won’t realise it, by joining in with these playful activities they’re going to be developing their language and listening skills, practising gaining control of their bodies, and being introduced to maths and science and creative play.

The ideas are Relaxed. There’s no pressure, for you or your baby. If you’d like an idea to use this week – come and join in the fun. If you’re too busy, your baby’s a little cranky or you’re both having a nap instead, that’s fine too. The ideas are here for you to dip into when you want them – and they’ll all in the archive (which you can get to by clicking on the SUPERbaby play button on the right hand column) so you can come back and use them whenever you want.

So… Simple + Unique + Playful+ Educational+ Relaxed = SUPERbaby play.

More activities for babies and toddlers

Zero to Two: The Book of Play is full of fun activities for babies and toddlers. Download you copy here!