How to Enable Optimal Cognitive Development Through Play for Kids Under 3

As parents, we all want the best for our little ones, especially regarding their growth and development. Early childhood is a time of incredible growth and discovery, particularly for children under the age of three. Did you know that up to 95% of a child’s brain develops by age five? These formative years are when children build the foundation for lifelong learning, and one of the most effective ways to support this development is through play. However, as busy parents, it’s easy to wonder which activities best promote your child’s cognitive, social, and motor skills development. Thankfully, play doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Engaging your child in meaningful, developmentally beneficial play can happen through simple, everyday interactions. The Play Card Co. is here to support you on this journey with innovative, thoughtfully designed resources that empower parents to engage their children in meaningful, developmentally beneficial play—no matter how hectic life gets.

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development

Play isn’t just fun; it’s an essential part of children’s learning. Play-based learning significantly contributes to various developmental milestones. For children under three, play supports the rapid development of the brain. Through play, babies and toddlers explore their environment, test ideas, and begin to understand how the world works. Sensory play, in particular, stimulates brain development by engaging multiple senses at once—sight, sound, touch, and even smell. This type of play is critical for building cognitive pathways in the brain, enhancing motor skills, and improving emotional regulation.

Moreover, play is about building connections. Interacting with your child through games and activities strengthens the bond between parent and child, providing the secure emotional base children need to thrive and offering access to different types of play—including sensory, imaginative, and problem-solving activities—fosters cognitive growth, motor skills, and social-emotional development. It also strengthens the bond between parent and child, creating a positive learning environment filled with trust and support. When children engage in hands-on activities, they are not just having fun; they are actively building neural connections that will support their future learning. According to child development experts, playful interactions promote language development, problem-solving abilities, and social skills, all while helping children feel safe and supported.

Introducing The Play Card Co.

Zara Demeris, the founder of The Play Card Co. and a Primary School teacher who is a passionate advocate for early childhood development, created a range of products designed to make playtime easy and purposeful for families. As a parent herself, she understands the daily challenges parents face when keeping young children engaged in meaningful, screen-free activities. The Play Card Co.’s expertly curated products offer a practical solution: fun, educational activities that support cognitive, social, and motor development without requiring hours of preparation or special materials.

Everyday Play Ideas for Busy Parents

You don’t need a lot of time or resources to create enriching play experiences. Here are a few simple ideas that can easily fit into your busy schedule:

In the Car: Use travel games to keep your little one engaged. Singing songs, playing “I Spy,” or telling stories can transform car rides into fun learning experiences.
In the Grocery Store: Turn shopping into a sensory adventure. Discuss the colours, shapes, and smells of different fruits and vegetables as you shop together. This engages your child’s senses while introducing them to new vocabulary.
Waiting in Line: Bring along sensory play recipes that involve simple materials, like a small container of play dough or a bag of rice. This keeps your child entertained while you wait and promotes fine motor skills.

The Play Card: Your Resource for Engaging Activities

The Play Card Co. offers a thoughtfully curated range of products designed to support early childhood development through play. Each product is created with expert knowledge and a deep understanding of how children learn best, providing parents with an easy, stress-free way to incorporate educational play into daily life.

Box Set – Growth Collection

Box Set: Growth Collection is a must-have for parents looking to nurture their child’s curiosity and development from the earliest stages. With five unique decks filled with 24 engaging play ideas each, this set transforms simple household items into tools for sensory, cognitive, and physical growth. Perfect for parents who want to nurture their child’s development with creative, accessible play.