The first year with your baby is full of wonder — and often a little chaos, too. Between feeds, naps, and nappy changes, it can be easy to forget that simple moments of play and connection are where so much learning and bonding happen.

This guide is here to help you find calm, meaningful play — little moments that strengthen your bond, nurture your baby’s development, and remind you both how joyful connection can be.

Each activity is designed to support your baby’s natural growth and curiosity through gentle, play-based exploration.

Preparing for Play

Here are a few simple tips for a positive playtime.

  • Create a clear, calm space: Choose a safe, uncluttered area on the floor with soft light and minimal background noise.
  • One toy at a time: Babies learn best when they can focus. Too many toys or bright distractions can lead to overstimulation.
  • Follow your baby’s cues: Watch their face, movements, and sounds. Short bursts of play (a few minutes at a time) are often best for young babies.
  • Stay close and responsive: Your gentle touch, voice, and eye contact are the most powerful parts of play.
  • Remember, the best place for your child to be (other than in your arms) is on the mat with free movement.

Play time activities

0 - 3 months

TUMMY TIME

HOW: Place The Duck in front of your baby during short tummy time sessions. Let them look, reach, and bat at its features.

SUPPORTS: Neck, shoulder, and core strength; visual tracking; early motor skills.

PRO TIP: Start with just 1–2 minutes, 2–3 times a day, and gradually increase as your baby gains strength

0 - 3 Months

FOLLOW THE DUCK

HOW: Hold The Duck around 20–30 cm from your baby’s face. Slowly move it from side to side or up and down, giving them time to follow with their eyes. Keep your movements slow and gentle.
SUPPORTS: Visual tracking, attention, focus, and early brain development.
FUN FACT: Around 2 months old, babies begin to follow moving objects — it’s one of their first ways of exploring the world.

0 -3 Months

CORRECTING PREFERENTIAL SIDE LAYING

HOW: If your baby consistently turns their head to one side, gently encourage balance by positioning yourself, a book, or The Duck on the opposite side. Give them something interesting to look at or reach for. Do this during short play sessions throughout the day.
SUPPORTS: Neck strength, balanced muscle development, visual tracking, preventing flat spots.
PRO TIP: Keep sessions fun and short — babies respond best when they’re happy and alert.

3 - 6 Months

TUMMY TIME - REACHING PRACTICE

HOW: Place The Duck just in front of your baby during tummy time. Move it slowly or tap it gently to encourage them to reach forward, stretch, and try shifting their weight.
SUPPORTS: Shoulder and core strength, reaching skills, motivation for early movement, visual engagement.
FUN FACT: Reaching forward during tummy time is a big step toward rolling and crawling.

3 - 6 Months

TUMMY TIME - ASSISTED

HOW: Roll up a small towel and place it under your baby’s chest with their arms over the top. This slightly elevated position makes tummy time more comfortable and helps them lift their head and look forward.

SUPPORTS: Neck and upper-body strength, early motor skills, tolerance for tummy time.

PRO TIP: Keep the towel low and soft — just enough to offer support without lifting baby too high.

3 - 6 Months

PEEK-A-BOO PLAY

HOW: Hide your face (or The Duck!) behind a cloth and reveal it with a big smile.
SUPPORTS: Cognitive development (object permanence), social connection, anticipation.
FUN FACT:This simple game teaches your baby that people and things still exist when out of sight — an important brain leap!

3 - 6 Months

ROLLY POLLY PLAY

HOW: Place your baby on their back under a toy bar with The Duck hanging low enough to bat, swipe or grasp. Let them experiment freely with movement, kicking, and reaching.
SUPPORTS: Hand-eye coordination, cause and effect, body awareness, early fine-motor skills.
PRO TIP: Rotate The Duck’s position occasionally to encourage turning, stretching, and balanced development.

3 - 6 Months

ASSISTED SITTING TOY BAR

HOW: Once your baby can sit with support, sit them in front of a toy bar with The Duck hanging just within reach. They’ll naturally lean, reach, and stabilise their body as they explore.
SUPPORTS: Core strength, balance, fine-motor skills, coordination.
SAFETY TIP: Surround baby with pillows or a nursing cushion to keep them safe if they topple.

3 - 6 Months

SENSORY EXPLORATION

HOW: Let your baby feel the different fabrics, ribbons, or attachments on The Duck. Describe them aloud: “This one’s soft… this one’s bumpy.”
SUPPORTS: Sensory discrimination, tactile awareness, early language exposure.

6 - 9 months

CRAWLING PRACTICE

HOW: Place The Duck a short distance in front of your baby on the floor. Encourage them to stretch, scoot, or crawl toward it. Celebrate every small effort — the journey is the goal.
SUPPORTS: Gross motor development, strength, coordination, motivation to move.
PRO TIP: Increase distance slowly as their confidence and skills grow.

6 - 9 Months

OUTSIDE ADVENTURES

HOW: Take your baby outdoors with The Duck — the garden, park, or balcony all work. Let them look at the sky, trees, or flowers while holding, touching, or tracking The Duck as you move it.
SUPPORTS: Sensory awareness, language development, visual tracking, curiosity.
FUN FACT: Natural light and outdoor scenery provide incredibly rich stimulation for a baby’s growing brain.

6 - 9 Months

SIT + REACH

HOW: Sit your baby on the floor with The Duck placed just in front of them. Encourage them to lean, reach, and grab while using their core to stay upright.

SUPPORTS: Balance, core stability, coordination, fine-motor skills.

SAFETY TIP: Use pillows or a soft mat to soften any topples as they build strength.

ALL AGES

PRAM TRIP ENTERTAINMENT

HOW: Clip or tie The Duck to the pram bar so your baby can see it as you walk. Talk to them about what you both see — “The Duck sees trees… do you?” Let them reach for or gently bat the toy during pauses in your walk.
SUPPORTS: Language development, outdoor sensory awareness, connection, visual tracking, early reaching.
PROTIP: Change The Duck’s position from time to time to encourage looking to both sides and developing even neck strength.

ALL AGES

CAR TIME ENTERTAINMENT

HOW: Secure The Duck safely to the car seat handle (making sure it hangs high enough not to interfere with baby’s face or straps). During car trips, your baby can look at The Duck, track its gentle movement, and reach for it during supervised stationary moments.
SUPPORTS: Visual tracking, sensory engagement, calm focus, familiarity and comfort while travelling.
SAFETY TIP: Always ensure The Duck is securely fastened and never obstructs baby’s face, breathing, or car seat safety features.

ALL AGES

STORY + CONNECTION

HOW: Hold The Duck around 20–30 cm from your baby’s face. Slowly move it from side to side or up and down, giving them time to follow with their eyes. Keep your movements slow and gentle.

SUPPORTS: Visual tracking, attention, focus, and early brain development.

FUN FACT: Around 2 months old, babies begin to follow moving objects — it’s one of their first ways of exploring the world.