Toys for infants and babies are abundant. You may have received some from friends and family as gifts for your little one. Here are some tips on play and toys for your baby.
0 – 3 Months
Your newborn is spending a lot of their day eating, sleeping, and changing diapers. They are also getting acquainted with their surroundings by touch, smell, and hearing. So a few simple toys can help them.
An unbreakable mirror can be used to engage your baby and help develop a sense of self. Even though their vision is blurry, it’s still the way they are exploring the world around them. Often these types of mirrors are included on activity mats or playsets, but you can also get stand-alone mirrors.
Toys that have contrasting bright colors provide visual stimulation and improve motor skills. They encourage movement and reaching. Black and white patterns with bright colors are especially attractive to your baby.
Soft toys such as plush dolls, rattles or squeakers that include multiple textures, vivid colors, varied fabrics can provide a multisensory experience.
3 – 6 Months
As your baby’s vision improves so does tracking objects and accurate focus, thus everything looks like a toy to your baby. As your baby grows confident in sitting up they can more accurately reach and grasp often putting items in their mouth. Playtime comes with your baby’s own vocalization which is delightful to hear.
Playmats for tummy time and back time are perfect for strengthening muscles. These playmats often come with a variety of hanging toys overhead for reaching with both hands and feet. As mentioned most have some type of mirror, a variety of fabrics and textures, rattles and squeakers to keep your baby engaged and interested. While your baby is on their tummy, having a few (2 or 3) other soft toys just out of reach to encourage them to stretch.
This is a wonderful time for introducing soft books especially made so your baby can explore each and every page. Storytime is interactive and exciting when your baby can touch and manipulate the book. Books with simple illustrations and options for you and your baby to strengthen their early language skills are perfect.
Toys for your baby should be a way for you to engage with them as they grow and develop. It’s perfect for family and friends who are visiting to also be included in your baby’s day. Toys alone are no substitute for the interaction they receive from loved ones playing with them and encouraging them.
