Although babies do a lot of playing on their own, sometimes you can plan their play. If you choose activities and toys appropriate for your baby's age and development, you can create special playtimes that stimulate your baby's development of communication and thinking skills.
There are plenty of books and other resources that provide ideas about what your baby might be able to do at various ages.
Books about Play and Toys
Websites about Playtime
Apps and Other Technology
Adapting Resources for Your Child
Of course, most baby books & other resources are written for children with typical hearing in mind. But you can use the information for your own needs and those of your child by following just a few, practical steps:
Make the Language Provided In the Books Accessible
- Use your face and body with expressions and gestures.
- Speak naturally and close to the child.
- Learn the signs (if your baby is signing).
- Quiet the environment and make sure the implant or hearing aid batteries are working.
Maximize Visual Access Tips
Use Language as You Play
- Give your baby opportunities to do the same.
- Try to be encouraging without being demanding.
- Provide a lot of repetition.
Use Toys Simultaneously
- Choose a few toys at a time and alternate them to keep the toys and the language interesting.
- Choose experiences and routines where games play a natural part.
- Provide variety by alternating experiences or by adding something very small that is new.
