Playtime with our babies is so special! We laugh, watch them grow and have excellent bonding moments. Sometimes though, we need a little bit of time for ourself!

Want to know the key to getting those precious 20 minutes of independent play so you can actually reply to some emails, do a load of laundry, or pee in peace?!

🔑Start your baby’s floor time routine EARLY.

I’ve teamed up with my friend Jess from @rootedinroutine - a pediatric OT, mom, and routines expert - to bring you an easy introduction to floor play for your baby.

Read below to see why floor play is important, what you’ll need and how to get started! 

Let’s start with WHY floor play is important: 

1. Free movement: floor play allows your baby to move freely without restriction.

2. Milestones: Your baby develops motor skills while on the floor (not while they’re in a device or container).

3. Exploration: Floor play allows your baby to explore and engage with their environment.

4. Independence: Starting independent play early can help boost your baby’s creativity, confidence and problem solving.

Now, let’s get to WHAT you need: 

1. Safe floor space: A simple blanket on the floor will do. Other alternatives include ply gyms, pack-n-play, play yard, play pen or baby gates around your space. 

2. Toys, objects, music or you: Choose 1-2 toys or objects for your baby to look at our explore. You can also put on music and/or get down on the floor with your baby!

3. A content baby: Make sure your baby is fed, changed and not overly-tired. Their feeding and sleep needs should be met first in order to enjoy floor time. 

Finally, here’s how to get started with successful floor time!

1. Choose one time within your daily routine where you can implement floor time. For example, every morning before your baby’s first nap, or every time you unload the dishwasher or put groceries away. 

2. Stay close to your baby at first if this is new to them. Talk to them and interact with them. Then, try moving away and observe what happens. Give your baby a chance to regulate if they fuss. You can talk or sing to your baby from afar, too!

3. Gradually increase the number of times per day you add floor time into your baby’s routine. Don’t worry about length of time each time - frequency is more important!

✨ BONUS✨ Floor Time Activities:

1. Do simple movements that your baby can mimic.

2. Sing a nursery rhyme and let your babies join singing with you.

3. PEEK-A-BOO! Use a small blanket or a pillow to cover your face or an object and then emerge again. 

4. Put out 1-3 toys or objects (not more!) for your baby to play with. 

And remember…baby steps! 😉Independent play and the ability to be happy on the floor are skills your child will need to learn over time, but consistency is key!

Want more ideas for what to do during floortime? Check out my Infant Activities Freebie!

Want more tips for building healthy routines that work for the whole family? Head over to Rooted In Routine to learn more.