Dolls offer a range of dramatic play opportunities for your little ones as they learn the importance of being gentle with infants and how to care for another person. Here are four ways you can encourage your child to grow into a natural nurturer:
1. Pretend the doll is a younger sibling.
Dolls can be a great way to prepare your toddler for a new arrival! Show your child how to properly hold their doll, how to speak in a quiet voice, and even how to change a diaper. It’s a great way to warm your child up to the idea of a new baby in the house. Check out our suggested doll choice below:
- Doll Suggestion: Basket of Babies
2. Practice parenting.
Modeling is natural form of learning, and it can be insightful for you, as well! Encourage your child to parent their pretend baby just as you take care of them. This is a great way to teach responsibility as children remember the importance of taking time for healthy meals, getting to bed at a reasonable time, and learning how to dress for appropriate seasons. See our suggested doll choice below:
- Doll Suggestion: Lots to Love Babies
3. Host a tea party.
Another great way for children to engage in dramatic play is by hosting a tea party! Work on conversation skills and good manners as children serve dolls first and talk to them about the wonders around them! Suggested doll choice below
- Doll Suggestion: Lovable Babies
4. Establishing sleep routines.
Having company for bedtime stories is always relaxing. Children can use babies as companions to snuggle with as they learn to sleep by themselves and fall asleep on their own. Find our suggested doll choice below:
- Doll Suggestion: Wee Baby Stella Sleepy Time Scents
Whether it’s pushing baby around in a stroller to develop gross motor skills or tucking baby into bed, having a doll around the house can be an insightful hands-on learning experience for your child. Find our complete selection of dolls here: https://www.kaplantoys.com/shop/dolls-and-doll-houses
