Baby play and Cognitive Development

Between all those diaper changes, feedings, and naps there will be times when your baby is awake and alert, ready to take in his surroundings and engage with you.

Here are some fun and easy activities to stimulate your child's development. 

0 to 3 months old

 More activities for 0 to 3 months old

3 to 12 months old

More activities for 3 to 12 months old

In Singapore, here are three places you can bring your little one for some brain-boosting fun and creative baby activities.

Early READ programmes at the National Library

Image: National Library Board

The Early READ programme by NLB allows parents and their little ones to enjoy activities together, either at the library, or at home. Baby Lapsit is targetted at parents with babies up to 12 months. During this 30-minute session, you and your little one will be introduced to simple songs, action rhymes, and finger plays that you can use to interact and bond at home. Play@Library introduces little ones to the library and allows them to enjoy books, music, and variety of developmentally appropriate toys. It allows children to engage in open-ended play and create a platform for them to socialise and make new friends. 

Baby-friendly amenities Libraries with Early Literacy Areas have easy-to-search babies’ collections, where books are categorised based on five early literacy skills.

Admission Free
Web https://www.eventbrite.sg/cc/reading-programmes-for-0-6-years-old-570869

PIP's PLAYbox

PIP’s PLAYbox is a cosy children’s arts space on Level 4 of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. The space is divided into a makeshift loft, a roomy arts and crafts area and an outdoor play area. There’s even a reading corner with books by Singapore writers and illustrators.

In conjunction with their regular festivals, Esplanade hosts activities such as storytelling sessions and self-guided craft activities here. For exclusive invitations to various events and special activities, sign up for PIP’s Club. It’s a free membership programme for children below 12 years. You also enjoy priority booking for parent-child workshops and ticket discounts for selected events at Esplanade.

Baby-friendly amenities There are children’s toilets and a nursing room opposite the entrance. You may park your strollers, bikes and scooters under the staircase leading up to PIP’s PLAYbox.

Admission Free
Web www.esplanade.com

The Artground

The Artground at Goodman Arts Centre is an accessible play space for children aged 12 and under. The interactive art installations change tri-annually. They also have art-related programmes including gardening, music, dance, and drama activities.

Baby Space@ Artground

Baby Space is a multi-sensory installation by Swedish choreographer Dalija Acin Thelander Murphy. This caters specifically to pre-walking babies. Contemporary dance, music and visual art all come together to form an immersive experience. Babies are encouraged to interact with the dancers and explore the installation on their own terms, in their own way.

Baby-friendly amenities A baby care room is equipped with changing tables, hot and cold water dispensers, nursing chairs, and power sockets. Park your stroller at the Stroller Parking Point next to the main entrance. 

Admission Free entry into The Artground; programme charges apply
Web www.theartground.com.sg

For more reading:

Health Hub SG: Your Growing Baby

Squizzel Box: Early Childhood Development articles and activites