In this episode of Eight Hundred and Thirty-Two Weekends, Tony dives into the world of independent play—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s showing up in everyday life with his 8-month-old. As babies get more curious and active, they naturally start exploring their environment, and independent play becomes an incredible way to build confidence, focus, and creativity.
Tony shares how he sets up low-stress playtime using just a few favorite toys, why rotating options keeps things fresh, and how stepping back (even for a few quiet minutes) can help babies develop important self-guided play skills. Plus, he offers real talk on balancing independent play with the need for attention, and how to let go of the guilt when you're not actively entertaining your baby 24/7.
Resources Mentioned:
Lovevery Play Kits and Play Gym – Developmental toys designed for stage-based learning.
Independent Play for Babies: What It Is and Why It Matters – A helpful guide from Verywell Family.
Why Independent Play Is Important – Research-backed insight from Zero to Three.
