Creating a Baby Play Space

November 19, 2012

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Part of my intention with our recent playroom declutter and re-organise was to create a baby play space for AJ. She is now six months old and has started moving around through a combination of rolling, pushing herself backwards and an awkward commando crawl forwards. My aim was to create an inviting nook just right for the playful needs of a small baby, keeping in mind many of the principles from my previous post, Space to Play [and Learn]: 10 Tips for Creating Great Play Spaces.

baby play area

I started with a soft floor rug and everything down low so that it is easily accessible.

baby play ideas

I attached a long mirror on one wall as baby’s love to look at faces. Please choose your mirror carefully (a safety mirror is best) and make sure that it is securely attached to the wall.

games for babies

Some babies may even try to kiss themselves :)

baby play

I chose low sided baskets and lightweight tubs to keep toys in,

baby play space

With a set of stable, low shelves to display a small selection of playful items.

baby play space ideasThere is a cosy corner with a basket of cloth and board books and a puppet, perfect for some quiet time with her sister or other family members.

infant play area

And finally, something to look up at. I made some rainbow mobiles from vellum using the instructions found here.

Have you created a play space for your baby?

Did you know that each issue of Play Grow Learn includes information and ideas for baby play? You can read more about issues 1-3 here.

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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }

Kylie @ Octavia and Vicky November 19, 2012 at 6:48 pm

Gorgeous! So much to love about this space, it’s giving me some ideas for bub #2. I love seeing babies and mirrors – adorable.

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm

Thanks, Kylie :)

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Lauren November 19, 2012 at 6:50 pm

wow, she’s growing up fast!! love her chubby legs :) great space!
Lauren

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:15 pm

Thanks, Lauren, she is growing up way too fast!

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judyperry November 19, 2012 at 6:52 pm

Hi Christie Burnett!!

INCREDIBLE THINKING!! you did really make sense about baby play space. I think your advice will help a baby mental growth. My baby girl play space is same like this but here is no mirror which I want to set up as you mentioned.

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Jackie@My Little Bookcase November 19, 2012 at 6:56 pm

I just love the photo of AJ kissing herself in the mirror. Awwww!

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:17 pm

It was so sweet, Jackie :)

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Sarah C November 19, 2012 at 7:02 pm

Delightful! I adore the rug. Although we are well past the infant stage (5 years old +) there are many ideas here that can be adapted to suit my kids play space.

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kassandra November 19, 2012 at 9:20 pm

I love the rug as well! Do you mind asking where you got it? Ive been looking for a big stripy rug that doesnt break the bank. Again, adorable room:)

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:09 pm

Hi Kassandra, I am not sure where you are located but I bought the rug on sale from Spotlight :)

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Kate - An Everyday Story November 20, 2012 at 9:33 am

You know I am loving that mobile. Can’t believe how easy it is. I was thinking about making one with circles but not sure if I could be bothered cutting them all out. Maybe I’ll just go for the the strips too. It’s beautiful.

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:10 pm

How did you go with the mobile, Kate?

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Cynthia November 20, 2012 at 9:37 am

What a lovely playspace!

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Sam Stone November 20, 2012 at 12:25 pm

Gorgeous! I love this space.
I will be setting this up for our new bubs in about 6 months.

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Maytey November 20, 2012 at 4:29 pm

That’s so sweet! I wish I’d had the room to do something like this for my boys when they were bubs.

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RCMom November 21, 2012 at 4:12 am

Love this room! I particularly love the mirror and the hanging rainbow! Great space!!

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Megan @ Writing Out Loud November 22, 2012 at 11:28 am

Looks great! Lots of fun and stimulation for your gorgeous girl.

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:15 pm

Thanks, Megan :)

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Becky November 22, 2012 at 3:46 pm

What a fun idea! My baby boy is just now getting to the age where he could start playing in a space like this.

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Amanda November 24, 2012 at 11:28 am

Gorgeous! Anybody have any thoughts on where to get a “safety mirror”?

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:11 pm

Not sure where you are based but Ikea have them, Amanda, or else many of the education suppliers would stock them too.

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Penny November 24, 2012 at 6:36 pm

A beautiful play space. I think even my two year old would love this space. The photos are just stunning too!

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Tamsyn November 25, 2012 at 4:45 am

Such a gorgeous space! I’ll definitely be adding a mirror to Lincoln’s play space when he gets bigger, thanks for the great idea :)

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:16 pm

Thanks for saying so, Tamsyn. Hope you are well :)

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Elizabeth November 25, 2012 at 6:02 pm

When my kids were that age we put up a mirror with a rail my husband made above it and another mirror above that, kind of a modified ballet style. Mine loved it and would pull themselves up then and “dance”. I made a mat to go on the floor by it. Missing the days when my youngest was small. :) One of her first words were “you” since she thought that was the name of her friend in the mirror!

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:12 pm

I love the idea of the rail, Elizabeth, thank you for sharing :)

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Kim December 22, 2012 at 1:57 pm

Hi Christie,
I know this is a late comment, but your post has been sitting in my Inbox as a reminder to contact you and ask you about the fabulous rug show in the photos of the play space.
I notice that a couple of other commenters above have also enquired about the rug. Are you able to tell us or just keep us guessing???

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Christie Burnett December 22, 2012 at 9:08 pm

Hi Kim, I am not sure where you are located but I bought the rug on sale from Spotlight :)

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