Toy Exploration Plan

1. 1

   Place a storage bin of toys in front of your baby and show them what is inside: “Wow! Here are your toys!” Catch their attention, but do not hand over a toy yet.

2. 2

   When your baby focuses on one toy, hold it where they can see it and invite them to crawl over and reach for it. Give them plenty of time before stepping in.

3. 3

   Your baby may look toward you or make a sound while holding the toy to invite you into the play. Respond by copying what they do. If they shake a rattle, for example, imitate the movement and say, “You’re shaking the rattle—jingle, jingle!”

4. 4

   After a brief exchange, gradually join in less so your baby’s attention can return to the toy and they can continue exploring independently.

What to notice

• Chooses a toy and explores it in different ways, such as shaking or mouthing it Sense of Identity and Belonging
• Stays focused on the toy in their hand Cognitive Self-Regulation (Executive Functioning)

Tips

• Begin with only a few toys, then gradually offer more choices. As your baby becomes comfortable playing independently, give them more space to explore.
• You do not need to choose the toy or demonstrate a correct way to use it. Let your baby explore at their own pace and in their own way.
• Once your baby has chosen, place the storage bin behind you. Bring it out again when they are ready to choose another toy.

Developmental benefits

• Social/Emotional: Choosing which toy to explore gives your baby practice expressing a preference and making a simple decision.