The Play Nook

In this blog series, we will be exploring different ways to bring balance and purposeful spaces to your home. Here at Infantino, we feel like this is something we all need as our homes have become more of our everyday lives. The process of being a parent during a pandemic doesn’t need to be complicated or seem redundant day in, day out. The tips we are going to share with you will help you see your home in a new light. They are easy to implement and make being at home more enjoyable. Are you ready to mix things up?

This week we are introducing the space we like to call, “The Play Nook.” This space is all about creating a baby-friendly play space in your home. The best thing about this space is you don’t need a whole lot of space for it because it’s a nook! It’s supposed to be a small and cozy section of your home where play is the focus. Think about that empty space behind the sofa or underneath the staircase. These empty spaces make the perfect play nook solution. 

The key to pulling off a play nook is to select items that bring value to playtime and organize them in a way that makes setting up and cleaning up a breeze. Think bins, bookcases, baskets, and shelves. With these very basic home essentials, you have your organization piece in place. Laying a rug or playmat down outlines the play space for your baby and makes getting down on their level more comfortable for you. We recommend something that is stain proof or easy to wipe clean so you get longer use out of it. We never know when a mess may occur with our little ones!

Now you’re ready to add meaningful play items. This includes books, sensory toys, plush animal pals, balls, blocks, and some baby must-haves like play gyms and entertainers. These larger items encourage your baby to practice fine, gross, and cognitive skills. They also break up playtime between smaller toys. Plus, something like an entertainer gives you a little break so you can take that call. 

To make the best out of your Play Nook you’ll want to get down on your little one’s level. Getting down on your baby’s level helps you see the world through their eyes and lets your little one know you are there with them. So come on down to the rug or playmat, even if the laptop needs to join for a tiny bit so you can catch up on email and share those oh so cute photos you snapped of your little one. 

The Play Nook is meant to designate a space in your home for meaningful play and brings organization to playtime. You can take tips and tricks from this post and make them your own so your play nook moves to the beat of your home.

Tune in next week on Friday for more tips on how to transform another space in your home.

We’d love to see your baby in their play nook with their favorite Infantino toys. Tag us on Instagram @infantinobaby using the hashtag #thebeatofhome!