I used to save so many baby “play ideas” online. Sensory ziplog bags, taped toys, elaborate setups that promised engagement and learning. I tried them hoping to give my baby enriching experiences throughout the day. But over time I realized that most of these activities didn’t feel joyful for either of us.
I saw so many play ideas and setups in quick 30 second videos, all neatly laid out and ready to go. But when I tried to recreate them, I quickly realized how much effort it took to set it all up. Only for my baby to lose interest, try to eat the tape up, or ignore it all together. Eventually, I realized it was the pressure of trying to turn play into something performative instead of something natural that was the problem. 
This is what play actually looks like for us. We wash vegetables together in a bowl before I peel and boil them. He loves splashing his little hands and grabbing the veggies to his mouth, making a yucky face, and dropping it right back in. 
It looks like chewing on board books, turning pages back and forth, and making outrageous animal sounds just to make him giggle. These moments don’t look impressive but they feel like everything. It’s a reminder that play doesn’t have to be complicated at all.
Independent play feels easier outside for us. I’ll lay a play mat and set out a couple toys, and he’ll play on his own a lot longer than inside. The trees, the birds, and all the different sounds help. Even the dogs barking keep him entertained and curious. I don’t feel the need to entertain as much. I’ve learned that sometimes the best thing I can do is simply be nearby and let him take it all in.
Instead of setting up activities, I began including my baby in what I was already doing. Wearing him while I move through the house, narrating the breakfast im making, or showing him the new latte recipe I wanted to try. He loves tapping on the sour cream tub while I reach for the milk, or closing the pantry after I pull out the granola.
This isn’t to say that short videos can’t be helpful. For many moms and babies, they may be genuinely fun. I just realized not every idea fits every baby. Some clips felt more like something to watch than something to live, and I needed something that felt more natural to us.
This flow allows me to stay calm while still doing the things I need to do for myself throughout the day. Constantly setting up activities isn’t realistic for me, and letting go of that expectation has made our days feel calmer and more sustainable.
I’ve learned that play doesn’t always have to look like an activity. Sometimes it looks like simply being together.