1. Shadow Play

A darkened room and a lamp can turn into a little theatre for your baby. Move your hands slowly to make shapes on the wall or hold up everyday objects to create interesting shadows. Babies love watching the movement and contrast. It is calming, mesmerising and a lovely way to wind down before a nap.

2. Bubbles

There is something magical about bubbles. Babies track them with their eyes, reach out to pop them and often burst into laughter when they float past. Whether your baby is on their tummy or sitting up, bubbles encourage movement and balance. It is one of the simplest ways to spark joy.

3. Pots and pans music

You do not need fancy instruments. A wooden spoon and a saucepan can become the best band in town. Let your baby explore tapping, banging and listening to different sounds. It is noisy, yes, but it is brilliant for coordination and cause and effect. You can join in too and make it a little duet.

4. Stacking cups

Cups are one of the most versatile toys for babies. They can be stacked, knocked over, nested, filled with water or used in the bath. Babies love the sound they make when tapped together and the excitement of knocking down a tower you have built. It is a simple way to introduce early problem solving.

5. Peekaboo

Peekaboo never gets old. Hide behind your hands, a towel or the sofa and watch your baby’s face light up when you reappear. This game helps babies understand that people still exist even when they cannot see them. It also builds anticipation and trust, and it is a lovely bonding moment.

6. Sensory bottles

Save an empty bottle and fill it with something interesting like rice, pasta, foil pieces or coloured water. Seal it tightly and let your baby shake, roll and explore it. Sensory bottles are great for visual stimulation and safe for babies who are still putting everything in their mouths.

7. Crawling adventures

Once your baby starts moving, they love a challenge. Create a mini obstacle course with cushions, blankets or a tunnel. Encourage them to crawl over, under and through. It helps build strength, confidence and body awareness. You can cheer them on from the other side.

8. Water play

Water is endlessly fascinating for babies. A bowl of water on the floor, a bath with a few cups or a splash pad outdoors can keep them entertained for ages. Let them splash, pour and explore the temperature and movement of the water. It is soothing and brilliant for sensory development.

9. Sensory spaghetti

Cooked spaghetti is soft, slippery and safe to taste. Put a handful on a tray and let your baby squish, pull and explore. It is messy, but it is a wonderful sensory experience. You can even add a tiny bit of food colouring if you want to make it more exciting.

10. Books with textures

Babies love books long before they understand the story. Lift the flap books, touch and feel pages and simple picture books are perfect for this age. Let your baby turn the pages, point at pictures and explore the textures. It is a lovely way to build early language and a love of reading.

Why play matters so much in the first year

Play is how babies practise new skills without even realising it. When they reach for bubbles, they are working on balance. When they bang a spoon on a pan, they are discovering cause and effect. When they crawl over cushions, they are strengthening their muscles. And when they giggle during peekaboo, they are building relationships and learning that people come back.

These tiny moments might seem small, but together they help shape confidence, curiosity and resilience. That is why the International Day of Play is such a lovely reminder to slow down, notice these everyday interactions and enjoy them for what they are: the building blocks of childhood.

Join us in celebrating

On 11 June we will be sharing simple play activities and inviting families to join in. We would love to see photos, stories or little moments of play from your home too. If you try any of the ideas we have shared, feel free to tell us how it went. Your experiences help us celebrate play across Gloucestershire.

Protect play, protect childhood. It really does start with the smallest moments.