What type of play is most beneficial for infants in developing motor skills?

Physical play is most beneficial for infants in developing motor skills because it directly engages their muscles and coordination through movement. During physical play, infants have the opportunity to practice gross motor skills such as crawling, standing, and eventually walking. These activities help strengthen their muscles, improve balance, and increase overall body control, which are critical components of motor development.

Physical play often involves interaction with varied environments, different surfaces, and maneuvering around obstacles, all of which contribute to sensory experiences that are essential for cognitive and physical growth. This type of play allows infants to explore their surroundings actively, promoting both motor functions and spatial awareness.

Other types of play, while beneficial in different ways, do not focus as directly on physical movement. However, unsupervised play may not provide the same level of engagement or safety as guided physical play, and digital play typically lacks the physical interaction necessary for developing motor skills. Imitative play, while also valuable for social learning and cognitive development, may not emphasize the physical aspects of motor development as much as physical play does.