Making the most of everyday routines
You'll notice that lots of our app ideas for supporting your baby’s development link to everyday life and care routines. Changing your baby’s nappy might not feel like ‘quality time’, but it's a wonderful opportunity for interaction and development. Simply by noticing and responding to your baby’s cues, you are supporting their development. If you have time a little extra time for them to wriggle around before you dress them again, this is also great for them.
Toys that aren’t toys
Your baby might be interested in everyday objects, like pans, spoons or pieces of fabric. Time spent exploring a variety of objects will help them to develop their understanding of the world around them. When you give your baby objects that are not toys, first make sure they are safe for them to explore – and always supervise your baby when they are playing.
Of course, you'll want to have some toys for your baby, but rather than having lots of things, you might want to choose a few you really love. We suggest choosing toys that will last, and that can be used in different ways as your baby grows.
Check your 'activities screen’ for ideas that fit into your day
Your interactions with your baby are important for their development – any time you are responding to them is ‘quality time’. Don’t feel you have to come up with elaborate activities. And when you want to spend a bit longer playing with your baby, you'll find a variety of ideas in your activities, including some that might take a little longer.
Finding the things you and your baby enjoy
Baby classes can be great, especially if you would like to meet some parents with babies a similar age. However, research evidence doesn’t always support the claims made about the impact of classes on development.[1]
If you and your baby enjoy organised classes, then these are another brilliant opportunity for interaction with your baby. And sometimes simply going to a class or group helps you to relax and enjoy time together. But like many aspects of parenting, every parent, and baby, is different. If you are feeling pressure to go to a class with your baby, pause and think about what you enjoy doing together and decide what is right for you.
A new definition of quality time
If you think of ‘quality time’ as involving well-planned activities or lots of toys, perhaps challenge yourself to think differently. Quality time is any time you and your baby are together, interacting and enjoying each other’s company.
Reference:
[1] Kirk, E. (2016). Evidence briefing. The impact of baby sign on infants and their parents. LuCiD.