Researcher Mildred Parten at the University of Minnesota’s
Institute of Child Development identified six clear stages of play in children
between birth and four years and above.
Stage one, which is between birth and three months of age,
is termed ‘Unoccupied Play’, where a baby will simply make movements with their
hands and feet in the process of learning how their bodies move and work. At
this stage, the best way to engage baby is through touch, such as massaging
their bodies before bed. Tummy time is also a great form of play at this age.
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