In the early months of infancy, from birth to about three months, your child is busy in unoccupied play.
Children seem to be making random movements with no clear purpose, but this is the initial form of playing.
Unoccupied play is most commonly demonstrated in babies.
Everything is new to them and they are understanding the world around them. Whilst the baby tends to be in one place and makes seemingly random movements and gestures with no real objective. These movements are an attempt to learn about and move within their environment. Despite seeming like this is not a stage of play it is as it is setting the stage for future play exploration.
Unoccupied play’ is followed by ‘Solitary play’ – playing alone – up to two years of age.