Water Play for Infants

Your baby learns much about the world through her senses, and water is stimulating to her budding understanding of the environment around her. Playing safely in and with water is a wonderful way to enjoy special time together, and to keep cool while you are at it. Talking or singing to your baby will add to the fun. (Check out the lyrics at this site for songs that include water and rain themes: http://w3.gorge.net/cannon/songs.html.)

Here are some ideas for water play with your baby:

Make it rain on a sunshine-y day! Punch a few holes in the bottom of a clean plastic bottle. While your child is in outdoors in the grass or wading pool, or inside in the bathtub, put warm water in the bottle and let it “rain” over his skin.
Explore wonders of ice. In the wading pool or bathtub, floating ice will intrigue your little one while it provides relief in the heat. Make ice in several sizes and shapes by using various clean containers (milk cartons, Chinese food boxes, plastic food storage containers, etc.). Make sure the pieces are too large to be swallowed in case your child puts them in her mouth. Help your baby reach for the ice, touch it, push pieces underwater and generally explore these magical melting “toys”.

Provided By Susan J. Oliver, Tropomedia
This information is provided on behalf of the toy experts at your neighborhood toy store.