Tips on how to create playground for your child

You can use all manner of everyday household items to keep your baby amused. The following are some suggestions.

Bell mittens - firmly sew a bell on to each of pair of brightly coloured mittens or scratch mittens. Your baby will look to see where the bell sound is coming from and will soon start to associate it with the movement of his or her hands. Suitable from the age of six weeks.

Mirror - attach a small mirror to a mobile above the cot or, later on (from three to six months), place a larger, unbreakable mirror inside the cot so that baby can see his or her face and movements. From the age of about six months, you can sit with your baby and talk about your reflections in the larger mirror.

Shakers - put dried pulses, coins and beads in different grippable containers with screw-top lids (Make sure these are plastic and not made from any breakable material such as glass, and that the tops are very firmly screwed on.) Your baby will be interested in the different noises the shakers make. Suitable from three months.

Pots, pans and wooden spoons - you don't have to buy drums or other toy musical instruments. Kitchen utensils can make even more noise so have the potential for more fun. Suitable from six months.

'Discovery' box - set aside a box in which to put all manner of household items that are safe for your baby to play with. Makesure there are no small removable parts (see toy safety). You could include items such as interesting textile off-cuts, plastic cups and spoons to bang together, an old TV remote control or empty video boxes. Change the items regulary so your baby or toddler knows that his or her box might always contain something new. Suitable from eight months.