Play and Imitate
“As soon as my baby began to crawl actively, he was interested in everything that was lying next to him. Closer to 9 months Alex had already begun to take items right out of my hands” says young mother, Anna. “Of course, at first he took the mobile phone and spoon- things that he often sees in the hands of his parents. Thus beginning a period of funny imitation of adults.” Certainly many mums and dads may have noticed this as their one year old children try to copy them. As they reach 12 months children start to mimic their parents and try to behave ‘like adults’. “Imitation is triggered by a mechanism of learning and development, and with such toys a child socially adapts” commented pediatrician Angelina.
Between the ages of 9 to 12 months, baby is always actively investigating. He becomes mobile and learns to walk, absorbs a huge amount of information and starts to pronounce first syllables and simple words whilst reviewing toys and examining their functions. Some months before this, your baby has been very fond of watching toys that play music but now he starts to become interested in exploring where music actually comes from. Musical instruments allow a baby to extract his own sounds from toys, they help to enhance grasping and tactile skills, stimulate touch and reaching, hearing and observation, develop the concept of sound. Experts advise in expanding a child’s musical ‘shop’ with new tools as they learn through the knowledge of specific item and cannot compare the features of one instrument to another without studying it.
“Alex began to demand a seat at the front of the car, and he would take the wheel with his little smile twisting from side to side” young mother continues. “Over time his favourite toy became a toy wheel”. So after a year and when your little one is on his feet and starting to speak, he doesn’t need simple rattles ad toddler toys anymore, but toys that allow him to start to forge relationships with parents and friends. Ranges of coloured toys with more complicated shapes enhance an understanding of social roles and occupations and at this stage, toys that mimic adult behavior help your baby to develop.
“The game becomes conscious and objects take on their functionality. This child knows how to press the button and that he has to hold the phone closer to his ear and mumble something” says pediatrician.
In the ‘adult’ play world, children learn important skills and start to form a more mature world view, they develop in physical activity, logic and imagination. Let your baby imitate you and choose the right toys to extend their capabilities!
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