Play starts feeling more meaningful
Simple play becomes a powerful way to learn
By The Millie's Team · Parenting Notes
Around week twenty-six, play is starting to feel like more than passing entertainment. Your baby is using it to explore people, objects and what they can do.
What is happening
Your baby is now strong enough, alert enough and curious enough to truly engage. A toy is no longer just something to mouth, it is something to bang, drop, pass or share. Play is becoming an important way they learn.
Is this normal
Yes. Some babies prefer quiet, focused play, others love loud and active play. Both are valuable. There is no right kind of play at this age, only the kind your baby enjoys.
What you may notice
- Longer attention on a single toy
- Looking up to share moments with you
- Repeating actions that get a reaction
- Different reactions to different objects
What helps right now
- Sitting on the floor and following their lead
- Offering a small number of toys at a time
- Joining in without taking over
- Leaving space for them to figure things out
What to expect next
Over the next few weeks, play will become more inventive and more social. Simple games like peekaboo and dropping toys for you to pick up often start to take off around now.