From the moment little ones take their first breath, they’re exploring their world — listening, watching, touching, tasting, and wondering. For Bailey and Beau, every day is an adventure in learning, and their greatest classroom is the world around them.
That’s because the best learning in early childhood doesn’t happen at a desk or behind a screen — it happens through play. Whether it’s stacking blocks, creating art, or chasing bubbles, play builds curiosity, confidence, and creativity. It’s how children learn to think, solve problems, and connect with others.
As aunts, uncles, grandparents, and other special grownups, you have the unique joy of helping your favorite little ones learn through laughter and discovery. Here are age-appropriate ways to make playtime meaningful — and memorable.
👶 Newborn to Age 2: Tiny Explorers
At this stage, everything is new — sights, sounds, and sensations. Simple play helps babies and toddlers make sense of their surroundings.
Activities:
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Sensory Exploration: Fill a bin with safe household items (soft fabrics, wooden spoons, plastic cups) and let them touch and feel.
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Peek-a-Boo Discovery: Hiding and reappearing helps develop object permanence — and giggles!
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Sound and Motion: Shake rattles, play gentle music, or dance together. Babies love rhythm and repetition.
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Storytime Snuggles: Reading colorful board books introduces language and emotional bonding.
🧸 Ages 3–5: Curious Crusaders
Preschoolers learn by doing, imagining, and pretending. Every game is a story waiting to unfold.
Activities:
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Imagination Play: Create a “Bailey and Beau Adventure Box” — fill it with costumes, paper crowns, and cardboard binoculars for pretend expeditions.
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Sorting Games: Sort buttons, toy animals, or blocks by color and size to teach early math and organization.
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Art Magic: Finger painting or drawing outside with chalk lets creativity shine while improving motor skills.
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Nature Walks: Collect leaves, rocks, or flowers and talk about textures, colors, and patterns.
🧩 Ages 6–9: Adventure Seekers
At this age, play becomes more social, creative, and problem-solving. Kids are ready to collaborate, build, and explore bigger ideas.
Activities:
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STEM at Home: Build a simple bridge from straws or test how far a paper airplane can fly.
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Cooking Together: Make simple recipes like mini pizzas or fruit kabobs — it’s fun, tasty, and teaches measurement.
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Outdoor Challenges: Set up scavenger hunts or obstacle courses to build teamwork and confidence.
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Story Builders: Encourage them to write or draw their own “Bailey and Beau adventure” — you can even act it out together!
❤️ The Grown-Up Role: Play with Purpose
You don’t have to be a teacher to make learning happen — just be present. Get curious together, ask questions, and celebrate the small discoveries. When a child feels supported in play, they gain the courage to explore and the joy of learning that lasts a lifetime.
✨ In the Spirit of Bailey and Beau
At Bailey and Beau Co, we believe play isn’t just fun — it’s foundational. Each storybook, activity book, and cozy piece of apparel we create is designed to spark imagination, inspire adventure, and strengthen the bond between kids and their favorite grownups.
So next time you’re together, don’t worry about doing it “right.” Just play, laugh, and learn — that’s where the magic happens.