Playtime

There's nothing like sharing a few giggles with a baby or a child and part of the joy of babysitting is that it gives you countless ways to connect through play no matter your level of vision.

When you're taking care of a little one, playtime is a chance to relax and have fun and you don't need to make special plans or find just the right toy. In fact, playing games that don't involve any toys or equipment is a great way to connect.

Holding the baby on your lap keeps you in contact so you always know they're right there while you make silly faces, tell expressive stories or play classic games like peekaboo and pat-a-cake.

And playing a game while you hold their face between your hands lets you know when the baby is facing you or turning away and it even lets you feel their smile.

For babies who need support to sit up, sitting together on the floor with the baby's back snuggled against your front is a great way to feel the baby's movement and position while you play together or look at a book.

Sometimes you'll notice signals that the baby is losing interest. They may start to fuss or you might sense that they've changed position, turning away from the toy or game. When you pay attention to the little one's movements and listen to their responses, you'll be ready to switch activities when it's time for something new.

When a baby is ready to sit or lie down to play on their own, it's helpful to keep everything in one area by laying out a small blanket that contrasts with the carpet, then placing the baby in a few toys in that spot. Using Velcro to secure the blanket to the carpet helps keep it in place.

For little ones who can crawl or walk, you can set up a safe play area with a baby gate or a play yard. No matter how big the play space is, bringing out a small number of toys at a time is always a good idea. It not only keeps the baby from being overwhelmed, it also helps you avoid clutter and tripping hazards and you can keep track of what needs to be put away.

When you're choosing toys for a baby or toddler, think about items that are brightly colored which might stand out for you and catch the little one's eye. And toys that make noise or music can provide feedback that's entertaining for them and helpful for you. You can find balls that have bells inside them or make other noises. So if they roll away, they're easier for you to find.

And for tykes who have started to walk, push toys and pull toys that make noise can also help you follow their movement as they tottle around. For some toys, it might be helpful to label the colors or other features using tactile labels or braille.

Another way to select toys that both of you will enjoy is to search for toys and games made for children who have a visual impairment. These often have tactile markings, sounds, bright colors, and interactive buttons that are easier to find, and some of them have braille markings.

One fun option for a child learning their ABCs is a set of alphabet magnets with braille so you and your little pal can arrange them on the fridge together. You can find these and other toys with braille online. Check out the resources for a few examples.

When it comes to playtime with older kids, card games and board games that are adapted with braille or textures are a great match for both of you. Building puzzles together can be a visual activity for a child and a tactile activity for you as you feel for the edge pieces and corners. And if you have low vision, a handheld magnifier can help you see more details.

You can also use voiceover to play games together on your smartphone or tablet. And when it's time to relax and watch cartoons or a kid's favorite movie, turning on the audio description will help you enjoy the action too.

Reading is another adaptable activity that you can share with babies and children of any age. If you're reading by sight, find a spot where the lighting works best for you whether it's by a window or using a lamp. Many children's books are already in large print and some of the classics you remember are available with braille added. These are great even if you're a beginning braille reader. Little ones can have fun feeling the bumps too.

And with toddlers and older kids, you can even ask them to describe the pictures. Some books for babies and small children also have textures and other tactile markings to explore together. Look for sensory books and see, touch, feel books online or at bookstores.

Audiobooks are another wonderful way to share stories with a little one. You can find audiobooks in many different formats and you can even play them on your smartphone or a smart speaker like the Alexa Amazon Echo.

And here's one more way to spend some fun time with a little one, walking. One nice way to engage with a small baby is to carry them around the house and find things to hear, touch and name. If you use a front-facing baby carrier, you have both hands free to navigate safely. Our workshop on protecting yourself from bumping into things can show you where to position your hands.

For a small child who walks on their own, using a little backpack that works as a safety harness is a great way to let them tottle around while you stay connected. These are often made to look like stuffed animals and they have a handy strap with a handle you can hold whether you're walking together indoors or out.

When you'd like to take a longer walkout outdoors, some strollers have a reversible handle that's helpful for pulling the stroller behind you while the baby still faces forward. Then, you can use your white cane or guide dog while you walk.

As always, if you need more information or you've got your own tips to share, contact a Hadley learning expert. Of course, as with anything new, give yourself time, patience, and practice and you'll get there.