Encouraging Babies to Play Independently

How do you encourage independent play with babies? I wish I could say that it magically happens by itself but most of the time it doesn’t. It takes work. Here some tips to help foster independent play:
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1) You actually have to sit on the ground with them first and get them use to being on the floor & letting them know they’re in a safe environment because you are present. That said, sit there and observe. Try not to move around, sit in the same spot like against a wall. 
2) Use open ended play items only. This includes bowls, rocks, silk scarves, blocks, etc. If you have it…placing dolls in a basket or having a pretend kitchen set up & some various toys on a shelf (not too many) can help foster your child’s creativity and imagination. 
3) Try to dedicate a space or a corner to make the child feel more safe. 
4) Insert moments where you get up to do something such as getting a book or going to turn on the oven and say “Mommy is turning on the oven, I will be right back.” Try to make sure they are in your line of sight and then from there build on the amount of time you are away. ⠀

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If your child comes to show you something, what do you do? This is very developmentally appropriate as children want to share their experiences. By 18 months, joint attention should be well established, meaning when you and your child share interest in an object. So when your child comes & brings an object to you…narrate what they are doing “You are bringing me a lemon. Hmmm I see the lemon.” I would say 9 times out of 10 your child will go back to what they are doing.