Babies are movers and shakers long before they’re even born. (Hello, little kicks!) And almost as soon as they enter the world, active play can start to take on all kinds of fun and exciting forms.
Here’s how to make it part of your child's everyday routine at every age and stage — and why it’s so important to do so.
What is active play?
Running, jumping and climbing might come to mind. (And as your child moves into toddlerhood and beyond, those kinds of activities will certainly become a part of the equation!) But ultimately, active play is any form of play that involves movement.
And even the youngest babies can get in on the fun. Active play can start with tummy time, reaching and rolling for stimulating objects or toys. And as your infant gets more mobile, active play can start to involve games like Patty-Cake or encouraging her to sit, crawl, stand and eventually take her first steps.
Active play can happen anywhere as long as your child has room to move. Just make sure that when playing indoors, the area is free of hazards like sharp corners or tippable furniture (remember to always use mounts and anchors to secure furniture and other unstable items to prevent furniture-related tip-over injuries).
Why is it important to encourage physical activity?
Active play is good for more than just getting your little one’s energy out. It’s a must for helping your child’s developing muscles and bones grow healthy and strong, and it also improves physical endurance.
There are other benefits, too. Investigating their surroundings encourages babies and toddlers to be curious and excited about their environment, and promotes thinking and communication skills. And every time your little one masters a new type of movement, her self-confidence grows a little stronger.
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Active play early on sets the stage for healthy habits as your child gets older. Whether it’s crawling through a play tunnel or frolicking through a grassy field, having fun on the move in baby- and toddlerhood fosters enthusiasm for regular activity later in life.
When is the best time to start active play with my child?
It’s never too early to encourage your little one to get moving. When your baby is just a few days old, you can start introducing short, three- to five-minute tummy time play sessions two or three times per day.
These mini workouts will help your baby develop the strength to reach important milestones like lifting her head, pushing up on her forearms and eventually, crawling.
Within just a few months, your snuggly sweet pea will start to be more active on her own — so keep encouraging her. Give your older baby plenty of supervised opportunities throughout the day to reach, roll and kick, and eventually work on getting herself from point A to point B.
As toddlerhood rolls around and your child starts walking, take time to be active with her and give her chances to explore and move on her own. Toddlers should get at least 30 minutes of adult-led physical activity and 60 minutes of active free play each day, experts recommend.
Active play ideas for babies and toddlers
Ready to get moving? You can kick off lively play sessions with your little one at any age. As she gets older and becomes more mobile, all the hustle-bustle is likely to get you moving, too!
How to encourage active play: 0-12 months
Active play for newborns starts off with tummy time (keep early sessions short and sweet!). But it won’t be long before you can start adding more movement-based activities to your child's routine — from simple hand games, to encouraging her to crawl towards objects, to helping her take those first steps.
- Tummy time games. Games and toys will keep your cutie occupied while she works on getting stronger. Lay face-to-face and play peek-a-boo, place an unbreakable mirror in front of her so she can check out her reflection or tempt her with bright, colorful toys.
- Finger plays. Songs with accompanying hand motions like Pattycake or Itsy Bitsy Spider are physical activities that build your baby’s fine motor skills.
- Follow the leader. Set your baby on her tummy or in a seated position (with support if needed). Imitate whatever movements she makes — and watch her squeal with delight.
- Grab it! As your baby starts to sit up or get into all fours, place an enticing toy just out of reach and encourage her to try to grab it.
- Baby dance party. Even pre-walkers will love bopping to some upbeat tunes. Make the "party" even more festive by letting her interact with colorful scarves, bubbles or rattles.
How to encourage active play: 1-2 years
Young toddlers need lots of time practicing new movements like walking, running, climbing and throwing. Give your tot plenty of opportunities to do so, such as by encouraging games, offering playground time and letting her help out around the house.
Keep it light and resist the urge to get too structured — young toddlers can’t yet grasp the rules of most games.
- Toddler obstacle course. Set up spots for your child to crawl, climb or bounce inside or outdoors. Open up both ends of a large cardboard box, encourage her to climb over a big pillow or cushion, or fill a laundry basket with toys for her to push or pull.
- Neighborhood stroll. Hold hands and take a walk around the block. Point out interesting objects and see what catches your toddler’s eye.
- Fill and dump. Give your child a shovel to scoop dirt, mulch or sand into a bucket and dump it out. Staying inside (or just trying to minimize the mess)? Use blocks instead.
- Chase me! Start running (but not too fast!) and encourage your toddler to chase you. The more animated you get, the more excited she’ll be.
- Let her "help" around the house. Encourage your toddler to pull items out of your shopping bags when you unpack the groceries, have her pull clean laundry out of the dryer, or give her a pint-sized mop or broom to “clean” the floors.
How to encourage active play: 2-3 years
As your child gains more control over her movements, her capacity for exploratory and imaginative play continues to grow.
All of that adds up to even more opportunities to have fun while being active. Aim to encourage activities that tap into your little one’s growing curiosity and invite her to express her thoughts and ideas.
- Hit the playground. Now’s a great time to really start exploring the slides, tunnels, swings, climbing sets and more. Just be sure to keep a close eye on your cutie at all times.
- Hide and seek. Encourage your child to run and hide and then go find her, then switch roles. Don’t be surprised if she wants to play this one over, and over and over!
- Freeze dance. Crank up the tunes and start dancing, then encourage your child to stop completely when you turn the music off.
- Movement books. Together, imitate the movements that you see in your child’s favorite stories. Can she walk on all fours like a puppy, zoom like a fire truck or fly like an eagle?
- Keep the balloon up. Blow up a balloon, toss it into the air, and have your child see how long she can keep the balloon up before it hits the ground.
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