The Power of Play

Play creates emotional security. Carve out ample time to cuddle: Whether you're reading, singing a lullaby, or making a silly face, parent-baby interaction establishes a sense of safety and security in newborns. "It lets them know they're valued by their parents, caregivers, or whoever they're interacting with," says Cindy Schloss Calhoun, LISW, RPT-S, LPHA, registered play therapy supervisor and program manager at Four Oaks, a children and family behavioral and mental health agency in Urbandale, Iowa.

Play enriches emotions. When you're playing with your baby, stick out your tongue to express your silly side and encourage his, too. And when your little guy smiles, grin right back at him. Expressing and reciprocating emotions teach what different feelings look like. "Play is their first way of communicating, interacting, and 'being in the world,'" Calhoun says. When he's older, teach basic words to express his feelings, such as "happy," "sad," or "angry." This encourages him to act appropriately when frustrated rather than throwing a puzzle piece or block at you.

Play engages the senses. Your baby's budding senses help him better connect with you and the world around him. If he's under a year old, stimulate him with singing or rhythm-based activities such as "This Little Piggy." Says Calhoun, "Sound is the sense that develops first, so that is why the sound of a parent's voice singing nursery rhymes or cooing is so powerful." Indulge babies older than a year with sensory-rich activities such as forming shapes with homemade play-dough.