Anticipating Play Routines

Anticipating a play routine is an exciting developmental milestone that shows your baby is beginning to recognize and predict what happens next during familiar, repetitive interactions or games. In other words, they are starting to understand and expect what will happen next during a familiar activity. For example, if you always say "ready, set..." before lifting them in the air, the child might start to smile or giggle because they know you are getting ready to lift them. It’s like the child is learning the pattern of the game and gets excited because they know how it works. This ability is a significant step in their cognitive and social development, as it reflects growing skills in pattern recognition, memory, and cause-and-effect relationships. It also highlights their increasing social engagement as they respond to the joy and connection of shared play.

How It Looks in Play

Your baby might demonstrate anticipation in various playful scenarios:

• Peek-a-Boo: As they begin to anticipate the “reveal” moment, you’ll notice their widening eyes, giggles, or excited movements.

• Tickle Routines: If you pause just before a tickle, your baby might squirm, smile, or giggle in expectation of the fun.

• Blowing Bubbles: When you lift the bubble wand to your lips, they may show excitement by leaning forward, clapping, or vocalizing.

• Movement Games: If you say “1, 2, 3, up!” while lifting them into the air, your baby might start to squirm in anticipation of being lifted.

  
  

How to Encourage This Milestone at Home

You can help your baby build this skill with simple, engaging activities:

• Play Simple Games: Classics like “peek-a-boo,” “This Little Piggy,” or “tickle time” introduce patterns and predictability in a fun way.

• Pause for Effect: Add a short pause during games or routines to give your baby time to process and anticipate what’s coming. Watch for their responses like smiles, wiggles, or sounds!

• Repetition is Key: Babies learn best through repetition. Consistently repeating routines and games helps them strengthen their understanding and grow in confidence as they learn to anticipate what’s next.

• Try Wind-Up Toys: Wind-up toys and other cause-and-effect toys can be highly engaging because of the exciting actions they perform. Wind the toy up a few times, letting it go each time, then pause after cranking it up. Watch for your baby’s excitement as they anticipate the moment you release it!

• Use Music and Songs: Sing familiar songs with actions, like “The Wheels on the Bus,” and pause before keywords or motions. Your baby might clap or vocalize to fill in the gap.

By engaging in these interactions, you’re not only supporting your baby’s cognitive development but also creating joyful bonding moments. Simple games and routines may seem small, but they’re laying the foundation for future skills like problem-solving, turn-taking, and social communication!