Floor Play Ideas for Every Stage of Development
Parents often hear that tummy time is important for babies but research supports that floor play is actually very important for every stage of baby’s motor development. That’s why we’re passionate about our “The Floor Builds the Core™” concept which states that a baby gets stronger and masters motor skills by learning how to move in and out of positions while they’re on the floor.
More info here on the movement science behind our “The Floor Builds the Core™” framework.
Scroll down for how this impacts play and what you can do to support your little one.
Here, baby is primarily working on upper body strength, shifting his weight, and rotation. As he looks toward the car he’ll shift his weight onto his left hip and reach with his right hand. That will allow him to then move into sitting to play with the car. These little movements on the floor may seem like nothing but they lead to big developmental milestones.
Why is floor play so important?
Increased strength and endurance while moving against gravity
Unrestricted movement
Endless opportunities to move in any direction
Opportunities to work on moving in and out of positions (ex: getting in and out of sitting without toppling over)
Allows two sides of the body to move reciprocally - building bilateral brain body connections
Babies learn how to move by trial and error. Allowing baby to play on the floor most of the day provides endless opportunities for them to master all kinds of movements no matter their stage of development. Having the freedom to move on the floor (out of baby gear) allows baby to experience motor learning and to make adjustments to the timing and pressure of each of their movements. That is how they refine, repeat, and master motor skills. It’s important for baby to be on the floor and out of a container so that they can practice these movements more often throughout the day.
Here baby is able to master balance skills while reaching, shift his weight, practice moving in and out of sitting, bring toys to his mouth, move them between his hands, throw and crawl with items in his hands. All skills that work into developmental milestones like crawling, self-feeding, standing balance and so much more!
Here baby is able to practice moving through transitions of kneeling and squatting which support milestones like crawling, climbing, stepping up, standing, and cruising.
What to do
Since mastering motor skills (motor learning) is active, baby-driven, and experience-based, all you have to do is join your baby on the floor while they play. Make sure baby has lots of play time on the floor even after the newborn push for "tummy time." Try getting on the floor with baby to read a book, roll a ball, stack blocks, shake rattles, blow raspberries, play beek-a-boo….. Entice baby to pivot on their belly or crawl toward you. Encourage baby to stand up and play while they hold on to the furniture or a wall.
For play ideas to expand The Floor Builds the Core™ approach click the bold posts below:
We hope this helps explain WHY floor play is so important for every stage of baby’s development. We have a full blown course on the topic in the works for you. Until then, if you have any questions, please shoot us an email or pop over to our Instagram for more play ideas.
Coming this Fall - Play Packs - A pack of cards with endless play ideas on how to support floor play with simple, everyday activities. Sign up here to get notified when they’re ready!
-Bree
We’re Jaclyn & Bree
Pediatric therapists and moms with a mission to empower you with knowledge to encourage your baby’s development and continue confidently into your parenthood journey.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below and we will get back to you. As always, the information we share is meant to provide general education and tips and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a specific question or concern about your child’s development, please speak directly to your child’s doctor or therapist.