Repeat, repeat, repeat: Our mantra for reaching baby and toddler milestones

Early childhood development is crucial because from birth to age 6, children lay down all the foundation skills necessary for schooling.

Development during the first 12 months takes place at a tremendous pace. Your baby’s daily routine should include stimulation of his senses, motor skills and speech development. In order for this development to take place, you need to expose your child to a wide variety of stimulation in a loving, supportive and safe environment.

Provide your child with toys suitable for their age. The toys can take any form - from common household items such as kitchen utensils right through to educational toys. Remember - you do not need to spend a lot of money - just have to use your creativity and imagination!

When playing the games featured in Explore Play, remember that once we learn something new, it’s important to rehearse the new experience and do it or say it over and over again. This action strengthens pathways in the brain and makes it easier to recall. So play the games repeatedly, your child will feel comforted by the repetition, grow from the experience and may even amaze you by playing game slightly differently each time!