How to set up a simple baby play area

May 21

baby play area.jpg — While creating your baby registry, you might fall into the trap of adding tons and tons of baby toys. But, as a mom of three and a postpartum doula, I’m here to tell you…your baby won’t play with most of those toys. This article will explain how to set up a simple baby play area that your baby will actually enjoy.

What should a play area do for babies?

A play area is to help baby transition to life outside the womb and help him or her hit milestones. From birth to around six months, babies will be reaching the following milestones:

hold their head up
smile
follow objects with eyes and make eye contact
cooing, babbling / responding to name
reaching for objects
holding a toy / passing a toy between hands
rolling

You really won’t need a lot in order to help baby achieve these things. In fact, having a play area over-filled with toys or full of toys that light up or make sounds will overwhelm your baby. An overstimulated baby will not focus or learn as well as a calm baby. So, keep it simple.

How do you set up a minimalist play area?

Start with a blanket. Unless your floor is incredibly hard or your baby is already moving, you don’t need any special mat. Just any old blanket will do.
You can place your baby directly on the blanket. To switch things up or do tummy time, add a cushion. You can use your nursing pillow, like a Boppy.
Add a simple arch. Maybe you purchased a play gym or mat that came with an arch. If not, there are lots of affordable wooden arches.
String a few toys on the arch. Don’t fill it up. If your play mat came with toys, remove half. You can also add ribbons (but make sure your baby can’t pull them off and eat them,) or scarves. Two to three items is best.
Get a basket and fill it with soft blocks and balls with different textures.
For tummy time or while playing on the floor with your baby, have a mirror.
Fill a basket with books. Then get more books. Reading to your baby daily will help him or her hit those milestones.
Now for the most important part of the play area: you! Get down on the floor with your baby and read, roll the textured balls on your baby’s skin and describe what’s happening, help baby touch the scarves or look in the mirror and narrate. And, when your baby is turning away from you or really absorbed in something, leave them be.

And that’s all you need for your baby’s play area. Start with a few of these things and add as your baby grows. Remember that stores will still be there, so you can wait until you notice that your baby needs something before buying it. I promise your baby won’t need as many toys as you think; they’ll mostly need you!