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Independent play is crucial for building confidence and increasing problem-solving skills and toddler attention spans. Plus, it gives you a much-needed break! Learn how to was able to increase independent play to 40+ minutes for my 15-month-old!
As a mom, I know firsthand how tricky it can be to encourage your baby to play on their own. Babies are naturally curious (and very clingy), so teaching them to entertain themselves can feel like an uphill battle. However, fostering independent play is not only good for your baby’s development but also gives you a little breathing room during the day.
Over the past few months, I’ve learned some practical strategies that have worked wonders with my little one. Here’s what I recommend:
Choose a Few Developmentally Appropriate Toys
One of the best decisions I made was choosing a few developmentally appropriate toys. At 9 months old, your baby doesn’t need a mountain of toys—4 to 8 thoughtfully chosen items are perfect for this stage. Focus on high contrast, cause and effect, and sensory toys (see my recommendations below if you need ideas). The key is to make these toys visible and accessible to them.
I use a cubby shelf to organize everything. Each toy gets its own spot, so my baby can easily see what’s available and make their own choice. This setup also teaches them about decision-making from a young age. When toys are scattered everywhere, it can overwhelm your baby. Keeping things organized and simple allows them to focus on one thing at a time.
Having a toy shelf can also help encourage your baby to pull up to stand and reach for toys. If your baby isn’t crawling yet, you can also set the toy options around your baby just out of reach in a semicircle. This can help encourage them to spin and army crawl toward the toy they want.
6-12 Month Toy Recommendations
Stay Close, But Unavailable
It might sound counterintuitive, but you don’t need to constantly play with your baby. In fact, hovering too much can make your baby overly dependent on you for entertainment. While engaging with your baby is important, independent play gives them space to explore, problem-solve, and develop their creativity.
When I encourage my baby to play alone, I make sure to stay nearby but “unavailable.” I might sit on the couch with a book or fold laundry just out of their line of sight. This way, they know I’m there if they need me, but I’m not actively participating in their play.
Keep in mind that they may not always play with toys the “right” way. And that’s okay! Play is about exploration. Whether they’re banging blocks together or chewing on a puzzle piece, they’re learning and discovering the world on their own. Babies typically learn to use toys the “right” way as they get a little bit older, so fight the urge to correct them when they are playing independently.
Start Small & Be Consistent
Like any new skill, independent play takes practice. Start with just a few minutes. Set your baby up with a toy they enjoy, step back, and see how they do.
In the beginning, they might crawl right back to your or only last a minute or two before wanting your attention again. That’s perfectly normal! Gradually increase the time as they get used to it. For my baby, I started with 2-3 minutes and worked up from there. Consistency is key here! I suggest practicing independent play every day if possible to reinforce it as part of their routine.
Once they get a bit older, practice letting your baby see you “leave” (stay close by of course) and “come back” so they know that you will always come back to them!
>>Update, now at 15 months, my baby can happily entertain himself for 30-40 minutes screen-free, which is a total win for me!
Independent Play Is Worth It!
Encouraging your baby to play independently takes a little patience, but the benefits are worth it. Not only will it help your baby build confidence and problem-solving skills, but it will also give you a few moments to yourself which is much needed as a mom!
Remember: choose a few developmentally appropriate toys, stay nearby without interfering, and take baby steps as you work towards longer independent play sessions. With a bit of consistency, you’ll find that your baby enjoys—and even thrives—in their own little world of play.
Do you have tips or favorite toys that have helped your baby play independently? Share them in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you!
