🏡 New sibling in the house?
Ready for a deep dive in sibling co-play? 👶🤝🧒
Interactive play between siblings- or cousins or friends, not only strengthens their bond but also provides numerous developmental benefits for both children involved such as:
1️⃣ Language Development 🗣️: Co-play promotes language development as babies naturally pick up words and phrases from their older siblings. They listen to their siblings' conversations, imitate their sounds, and engage in babbling, creating a foundation for communication skills. 📚🗨️
2️⃣ Cognitive Growth 🧠: Co-play stimulates babies' cognitive growth especially when the older sibling exposes them to imaginative play scenarios. Toddlers often engage in imaginative play, which is a great way for your baby to start practicing their creativity and problem solving skills 🌟🧩🤔
3️⃣ Motor Skills 🏃♂️: Engaging in co-play with a toddler sibling can enhance babies' motor skills. Crawling, reaching, grasping, and even walking may be accelerated as babies strive to keep up with their active siblings. 🚶♀️🏋️♂️🎯
But where do you start when encouraging sibling co-play?
Check out these ideas that are perfect for welcoming a new baby in the house 🎈🌟
📚✨ Storytelling Adventures: Let the older sibling takes the lead in imaginative storytelling. They can act out scenes with toys or props, involving the baby in their storytelling journey.
🎨 Artistic Creations: Engage the older sibling in creating artwork or crafts to decorate the baby's nursery. This allows them to contribute to the baby's space and express their excitement through creativity.
🔍 Helper Treasure Hunt: Plan a treasure hunt activity where the older sibling helps find baby essentials like diapers, wipes, or pacifiers. It adds an element of fun and involves them in their daily care routines.
🌿 Nature Explorers: Take the older sibling and the baby for gentle walks in nature, pointing out interesting sights and sounds. This outdoor bonding experience helps them connect and develop a sense of unity.
🏃♀️🌈 Obstacle Course Challenge: Once the baby starts crawling you can ask the older sibling to create a mini obstacle course using cushions, pillows, or our Baby Bauhaus Set. The older sibling can guide the baby through the course, offering encouragement and assistance. It's a great way to promote empathy for the older sibling and for the baby to start developing their coordination skills.