Early Friendships

By age 15 months or so, most children are practicing the basic skills of friendship - smiling at a familiar face, offering a toy to another toddler, even comforting a crying playmate

Play in neutral places

In their own homes, kids are less likely to explore new friendships. At home, my 18-months-old daughter doesn't want another child to touch any of her toys. At the park, she and other children play on the equipment instead of just with their toys
Freida Gump, Georgia

Enjoy your friendship

Don't stop having play dates if you and your friends' kids seem to ignore each other. Their social skills will develop over time. Instead of constantly worrying about whether the kids are getting along, enjoy this time with their parents. Playdates are a great chance for moms to make their own friends, too
Deborah Hemdal, Connecticut

Find activities that don't involve sharing

When the playdate is at our house, I like to play records and encourage kids to dance, bang pots or stamp their feet to the music
Kate Malchow, North Carolina

The Ideal Toy Basket

●Imagination toys - Play sets and role-play toys, such as cookery sets
●Active toys - Toys that encourage crawling or pushing
●Books - Highly important, even at a very early stage
●Bath time toys - Make the most of bath time with rubber ducks, etc
●Quiet-time toys - Cuddly animals, mobiles, etc
●Problem-solving toys - Simple puzzles, shape finders, etc. from six    months onwards

3 to 6 months

By four months of age, most babies will laugh and smile and coo. They love to "talk" to other people. Make sure you spend time every day listening to what your baby has to say. Cuddle, hold and talk to your baby. Have little conversations throughout the day, during diaper changes, baths, car rides and more. This is a great time to start "reading" to your baby. Use book made out of cloth or plastic. Don't worry about following every word in the book, but point out the pictures and say, for instance, "See the dog? The dog says, 'woof!'" This is also a wonderful time to start playing "This Little Piggy" and "peek a boo."
Since this is the time most babies begin putting things in their mouths, provide large toys like rattles and infant toy key rings. Keep your little one away from objects that are a choking hazard (anything smaller than his fist). Toys with dangling rattles (like baby gyms) that your baby can bat with hands and feet will be a hit.
Most babies will learn to roll over at around four months of age. You should never leave a baby alone on any flat surface other than the floor, even if only for a few seconds. Once your baby learn to roll and wiggle, fall prevention becomes even more important.
We put our babies to sleep on their back since doing so is believed to decrease the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), sometimes known as "crib death." So make sure your baby gets "tummy time" by playing with him on a blanket or play mat on the floor. Many babies will fuss when they first try tummy play but it won't take them long to learn to enjoy it as they get stronger. Avoid having your young baby spend lots of time in jumpers, exercisers and bouncy seats. New research show that babies using these toys before the age when they would normally stand on their own have an increased risk of developing hip problems and may actually delay walking Limit your baby's time in these toys to no more than an hour a day. Baby walkers pose a safety hazard, because infants can get to places where they shouldn't fall down stairs. It is strongly recommended not to use them. And, never place your baby's car seat or bouncy seat on the table or counter. By this age, infants wiggle enough to cause the baby seat to fall over and off

6 to 9 months

This is a wonderful, exciting time Your baby may begin babbling and making silly noises - such as raspberries! Most babies are now using their fingers to help them grab objects Offer large plastic chew toys, board books or blocks for play Babies will sit next to their baby gym and laugh when they are able to pull off the dangling toys
Games such as "pat-a-cake," "peek a boo" and "so big" will become favourites now Your baby will love songs like "The wheels on the Bus" and "Old McDonald " Your baby is still too little to watch TV, so even though children's television programs are full of music your baby would much rather listen to your sing than any cartoon character or celebrity
Babies at this age love to drop things - especially when sitting in their high chairs - and giggle when their parents pick things up This is a great game for them and a way to engage with you, not a sign they're being naughty Most babies will love to hold objects in both hands and bang them together
And everything still gets in their mouths! It is essential that parents supervise their babies closely during this time As your baby moves around to explore, be sure that there are no sharp, breakable or small objects within reach that can cause harm or choking It is always a good idea to crawl around on the floor yourself to look for hazards

9 to 12 months

By this age ,most babies go from cruising (walking around while holding onto the furniture) to walking on their own Encourage your baby to move around by "playing tag" Pull a favourite toy or blanket along, just out of your baby's reach, to encourage her to follow and get it
Babies at this age get excited about different textures, sounds and sights. Give your baby the opportunity to experience rough and smooth, hard and soft, wet and dry. Read textured or pop-up board books with simple stories about animals or babies. Take your baby for a walk and imitate the animal and car sounds you hear.
By one year of age, most babies develop what's called "object permanence." Although you may hide a toy, your baby will actively look for it. Play the "cover game" by covering a favourite toy with a towel or blanket and saying to your baby, "All gone!" or "Where did the toy go?" When she uncovers the object, smile, clap and say, "Hurry! You did it! You are so smart!"
not only are you your baby's favourite toy - you are your child's first friend. There isn't another toy or person, no matter how special, who can replace the time you spend hugging, loving and playing with your baby. Enjoy your wonderful, changing infant - and have fun together!