Babies & Sharing

[Unregistered]

Hello!

I've only been open for one month and I have three babies in my care, all under one year old. The babies seem to want whatever toy the next baby picks up and plays with. I understand that this is normal. Is it too early, developmentally, to be working on th concept of sharing? I hate seeing them get frustrated taking toys from each other. They do it all day long. If I see it about to happen, I intervene and try to redirect the current toy thief to something else, which doesn't always work and leads to a meltdown.. Am I wasting my time right now? Should I let them work it out? If not, what are some techniques I could use to help my babies understand? Thank you!

[Cat Herder]

Hello!

what are some techniques I could use

Having several of each infant and toddler toy (birth-3) so everyone can play at the same time.

[LysesKids]

Having several of each infant and toddler toy (birth-3) so everyone can play at the same time.

THIS is what I do... I have 4 infants

[Cat Herder]

THIS is what I do... I have 4 infants

All dishwasher, bath tub soak or washing machine safe, too. :: I toy shop purposefully.

[Unregistered]

I have multiples of some toys. They still go after the one the baby next to them is holding...

[Cat Herder]

Have you tried dividing up your play space so each infant has their own safe play area?

I added a bunch of tags to other threads on this topic, but you must be a member to see them.

[Unregistered]

I haven't tried that but I'll give it a shot. Thank you!

[Ariana]

I find babies are happy if you just redirect their attention as well! "Look at this shiny object over here" and distract them away from the toy that was just stolen type of thing. Babies have very short attention spans thankfully!

[LK5kids]

Yes! It's too early to learn to share! It's even hard for two year olds!

[Josiegirl]

Yes! It's too early to learn to share! It's even hard for two year olds!

Hey, sometimes it's hard for adults too.

[Indoorvoice]

I don't intervene when it comes to sharing unless it gets physical and then I only block and verbalize what's going on between them. "you want the ball, but Susie isn't done with it yet. When Susie is done, you can use the ball. You can pick a different toy or sit on my lap and wait" For the most part, either one gives up the toy and finds something different, they figure out how to play with it together for a few seconds, or they abandon the toy altogether :: I know it sounds like a lot of talking for an under 1 year old, but the more I treat them like that, the more they understand.