Parenting Perspective:
Playing

by Dianne Witter
Reprinted from Arthritis Today

Babies enjoy playing peek-a-boo, being read to, being sung to and playing with their toys. Most will need to be held for comforting sometimes, but children can adjust to their parents' limitations. If you are not comfortable walking to calm a crying baby, try balancing him on your lap and rocking instead.

A playpen can be useful for young babies. Toddlers who need more room to roam can be contained by using safety gates. Again, models should be tested (and other parents asked for advice) before gates are selected. Try to create a child-safe zone within the gates so you don't have to worry about snatching unsafe objects from the child's grasp.

Floor pillows can be stacked around areas (such as fireplaces) in which a baby could fall and be hurt. In addition, corner cushions are available to make table corners less dangerous.

Babies enjoy having a cabinet or two stocked with playthings they can take out. All other cabinets and drawers within reach should be baby-proofed.

Once a child is walking and running, try using a wrist-to-wrist leash to keep him nearby.