〜The first "play" starts with touch〜
"When can babies start playing with building blocks?"
Many parents probably have this question.
Building blocks can actually be enjoyed by babies from 0 years old.
However, during this period, there's something more important than "stacking."
That is, engaging the five senses.
This time, we'll introduce ideas for block play tailored to 0-year-olds' development.
0-Year-Old Developmental Milestones
For 0-year-olds, abilities change significantly with each month.
- 0-3 months: Seeing and hearing sounds
- 4-6 months: Reaching out and touching
- 7-9 months: Grasping and putting in mouth
- 10-12 months: Clapping and dropping
In other words, building blocks are not just for "stacking,"
but serve as a highly useful "**material**" for touching and exploring.
Recommended block play for 0-year-olds
① Show and roll (approx. 0-5 months)
When they can't hold things themselves yet, play where adults show them is recommended.
- Roll slowly
- Make clicking sounds
- Move in front of their eyes
▶︎Key point
"Tracking with their eyes" supports visual development
② Grasping and tasting (approx. 4-8 months)
Once they can use their hands, it's okay to let them touch freely.
- Grasping
- Putting in mouth
- Switching hands
▶︎Key point
For babies, their "mouth" is also an important sensory organ. They test everything by putting it in their mouth. You might wonder why they lick everything, but at this stage, it's important to let them develop their senses to their heart's content.
It's important to choose building blocks made of safe materials and of a safe size that babies can safely put in their mouths!
③ Tapping (approx. 7-10 months)
They start making movements where they hit objects together.
- Clicking blocks together
- Tapping on the floor
▶︎Key point
Connecting sound and hand movements = beginning of understanding cause and effect
④ Dropping and picking up (approx. 9-12 months)
A common play activity at this stage is "dropping things."
- Intentionally dropping
- Having it picked up
- Repeating it many times
▶︎Key point
Actually, this is
an experimental play of "what will happen?"
It's tough for adults, but it's a sign of growth. 😊
Important things for 0-year-olds' block play
✔ No need to force them to play "correctly"
It's okay if they don't stack.
In fact, "breaking" and "licking" are the main activities.
✔ Enjoy together
At this stage, more than playing alone,
interaction with adults is the greatest stimulus.
"It rolled over!"
"That's a nice sound!"
Just a few words like these can greatly enrich their play.
✔ Prioritize safety
- Larger size (to prevent choking)
- Safe materials for tasting
- Rounded corners
These are important points to check thoroughly.
Tsumikies' blocks are safe for 0-year-olds to play with.
Please check them out!
Summary
For 0-year-olds' block play,
👉 Stacking is not the goal
👉 Engaging the five senses is important
Touching, hearing, seeing, experimenting
All of these form the foundation for future cognitive abilities.
Next up
Next time: [1-year-old edition]!
"When do they start stacking?"
"What kind of play will they be able to do?"
We'll answer these questions. Stay tuned!