Supporting Your Baby’s Growth and Development with Play

Play is how babies learn about the world. It helps them build language, movement, and social skills, and strengthens bonds with the people who love and care for them.

The child development organization Universal Baby Project offers a helpful video about everyday moments when you can connect with your baby. Even across very different cultures, enriching interactions between caregivers and babies can be very similar.

Watch How Infants Play to Learn

You can also sign up for The Basics, a free Boston-based program that sends parenting tips and ideas for simple, enriching activities you can include in your baby’s daily routines.

Parent–Child Activities and Parenting Support

Parenting a new baby can be isolating, especially if you don’t have family nearby or during winter months when it’s hard to find baby-friendly spaces. BMC’s Teen and Tot Program, which serves parents up to age 23 and their children, keeps a list of free parent–child events and resources for family-friendly activities in the greater Boston area.

These activities can help your baby learn and socialize, and and they can help you build connections, feel supported, and grow your parenting skills.

Places to start:

• Boston Public Library: Free baby lap-sit and story-time events and playgroups at locations across the city, plus free or discounted museum passes for baby-friendly spots like the Boston Children’s Museum, New England Aquarium, and Museum of Science.
• City of Boston Parent and Family Support: Parenting classes, playgroups, family-friendly events, and lists of local community centers, parks, and playgrounds.
• The Family Nurturing Center of Dorchester: Parenting classes (including classes for fathers), parent–child playgroups, group activities and celebrations, and referral services.
• Community Kangaroo: Playgroups and family activities throughout eastern Massachusetts.
• Mommy Poppins: Listings of upcoming kid-friendly events in the Boston area.

See the Teen and Tot Program’s Recommendations

Stressed and just need someone to talk to?

Getting support for your own needs will help you have the energy to be a better parent for your child. The nonprofit Postpartum Support International (PSI) (PSI en Español) offers an emotional and mental health support helpline for new parents in English and Spanish, available every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. 

• Call: 800.944.4773 (choose 1 for Español and 2 for English)
• Text: Send “help” to 800.944.4773 (English) or 971.203.7773 (Español)

Early Intervention: When Your Baby Needs Extra Help

Early intervention (EI) means getting support and services for babies and young children as soon as possible when there are concerns about their growth, learning, or health. In Massachusetts, every child can receive a free evaluation, and early intervention services are free from birth to age three if your child qualifies. After age three, the public school system may be able to continue offering services, but another evaluation is usually needed.

Early intervention can help with:

• Speech and language skills (speech therapy)
• Movement and coordination (occupational or physical therapy)
• Behavior, play, and social skills (play therapy, social groups, or speech pragmatics)

If your child is growing or learning differently than expected for their age, starting therapies early is important. A child's brain grows very quickly in the first years of life, and early support can make a meaningful difference for school, health, and independence later on. 

Talk to your baby’s care provider about what to watch for and when to request an early intervention evaluation.

Learn More About Free EI Services in Massachusetts