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Play is a fundamental part of a child's life. It is not just a way to pass the time or have fun, but it also has an important role in children's learning and development. When babies and children play, they explore and make sense of the world around them. They learn new skills, develop their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. In this blog post, we will discuss how babies and children can learn through play. Sensory Play Sensory play involves using the senses to explore and learn about the environment. Babies and young children learn through their senses. They use their senses to explore different textures, sounds, smells, tastes, and sights. Sensory play can help them develop their sensory processing skills, enhance their cognitive abilities, and improve their physical development. Sensory play can start from a very young age with music, lights and rattles and develop into fun activities like sand play, water play, finger painting, and playing with different textured toys. Pretend Play Pretend play, also known as role play or imaginative play, is a type of play where children use their imagination to create scenarios and act them out. Through pretend play, children learn social skills, problem-solving, creativity, and empathy. Pretend play can include activities like playing dress-up, cooking in a play kitchen, playing with dolls or action figures, and building forts. Physical Play Physical play involves activities that help children develop their gross motor skills, such as running, jumping, climbing, and playing ball games. Through physical play, children improve their coordination, balance, and strength. Physical play also promotes brain development by stimulating the production of neurotransmitters that aid in learning and memory. Physical play can include activities like playing tag, running around, dancing, and playing sports. Building and Constructing Play Building and constructing play involves activities where children create things using blocks, Legos, and other construction materials. Through building and constructing play, children develop their fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. They also learn problem-solving skills and creativity. Building and constructing play can include activities like building towers, making structures with blocks, shape sorting and creating elaborate Lego creations. Games and Puzzles Playing games and solving puzzles can help children develop their cognitive skills, including memory, attention, and problem-solving. Games and puzzles can also help children learn social skills like taking turns, following rules, and working together. Games and puzzles can include activities like board games, memory games, jigsaw puzzles, and card games. In conclusion, play is an essential part of a child's development. It helps them learn new skills, develop their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving abilities. By providing babies and children with a variety of play activities, parents and caregivers can help them learn and grow. Sensory play, pretend play, physical play, building and constructing play, and games and puzzles are all great ways for children to learn through play. So, next time you see a child playing, know that they are not just having fun, but they are also working, learning and growing!

Babies will usually start teething around six months of age, although the process can begin as early as three months, or as late as one year. Teething is a natural process where the baby's first set of teeth, also known as milk teeth or baby teeth, begin to emerge from the gums. As a parent, it can be a challenging, tiring and stressful time for both you and your baby. Here are some tips on how to deal with baby teething: Identify the Symptoms The first step in dealing with baby teething is to identify the symptoms. Some of the common symptoms include: Excessive drooling/dribbling Swollen gums Fussiness and irritability Difficulty sleeping Loss of appetite Chewing on objects Pulling at ears or rubbing the cheeks By recognising these symptoms, you can determine if your baby is teething and take steps to alleviate their discomfort. Provide Relief with Teething Toys Chewing on objects can help soothe a teething baby's sore gums. Provide your baby with teething toys that are specifically designed to help alleviate the pain of teething, such as the Cheeky Chompers teething range. These toys are made of rigorously safety tested, soft materials that are gentle on your baby's gums, help the teeth to break through and are also easy for your baby to hold and chew on. Some popular teething toys include textured silicone teethers, teething bibs and teething rings. Teethers should be kept clean to avoid introducing germs into baby's mouth. The Cheeky Chompers teething range includes teething dribble bibs, teething toys and comforters that can be attached to your baby via a wrist link to avoid them being dropped on the floor. You can also try freezing the teething toys to provide additional relief. The cold temperature can help numb your baby's gums and reduce inflammation. Use Cold Compresses In addition to using teething toys, you can also use cold compresses to provide relief for your baby. Wet a washcloth with cold water and place it in the freezer for a few minutes. Once the washcloth is cold, give it to your baby to chew on. It's important to note that you should never use a frozen teething toy or anything that is too cold, as it can damage your baby's delicate gums. Massage Your Baby's Gums Gently massaging your baby's gums can also provide relief. Wash your hands and use your fingers to apply gentle pressure to your baby's gums. You can also use a clean, damp washcloth to massage your baby's gums. Offer Comfort Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for your baby. Offer comfort by holding and cuddling your baby, singing lullabies, or playing soothing music. Distraction can also be helpful, so try engaging your baby in activities that they enjoy. Dealing With Excess Dribble/Drool. If your baby is constantly drooling during teething, they can end up with damp, uncomfortable, tops and vests. The Neckerchew from Cheeky Chompers are premium quality teething dribble bibs made with 3 super absorbent layers to catch all those drools and keep your baby dry, saving your washing load from piling up too! With reversible designs, attached silicone teether and machine washable they are a teething must-have. Consider Over-the-Counter Remedies If your baby is experiencing severe teething pain, you can consider over-the-counter remedies. Some options include infant paracetamol, ibuprofen or teething granules. However, it's important to consult with your doctor/pharmacist or pediatrician before giving your baby any medication. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Once your baby's teeth begin to emerge, it's important to start practicing good oral hygiene habits. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and water to clean your baby's teeth twice a day. Avoid using toothpaste until your baby is old enough to spit it out. A silicone toothbrush is a fantastic way to get your baby used to a toothbrush as their teeth are emerging, whilst easing their gum pain at the same time. It's also important to avoid giving your baby sugary foods and drinks, as they can lead to tooth decay. In Conclusion Teething can be a challenging time for both you and your baby, and can feel like it is never ending! But with these tips, you can help alleviate your baby's discomfort and provide relief and support. Remember to always consult with your Doctor or Pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's teething process.