Age-appropriate Toys for Babies

Posted on: July 16th, 2017by Ivana Stamenkovic

Even though each child develops at an individual pace, age-range information is important for your child's safety. You can find this information on a packaging of each toy. Here are some guidelines for choosing adequate toys for a particular stage of development.

Toys for Babies 0 to 6 Months Old

Newborns need toys they can look at or reach for, hold or shake, make noise with or listen to... even the ones they can suck on or bite. You should choose toys that are bright-colored or with the high-contrast patterns since your baby's vision is not sufficiently developed.

Which toys to choose?

Crib mobile: Many babies like mobiles which are colorful and play soft music. Keep in mind that the mobile should be out of your baby's reach.
Board books: These books are designed just for babies - they can withstand mouthing and drooling. Some even have different textures your baby can feel or parts she can squeeze or chew.
Lightweight rattles: Babies love toys they can shake to make some noise. It's important that rattles are made from sturdy materials and not thin, brittle plastic. There shouldn't be any small parts baby could swallow.
Unbreakable mirror: Even though she won't realize she's looking at her own reflection, your baby will find a mirror fascinating.
Squeaky rubber toys: Perfect for a bath, but your baby will love them at any time.
Teething rings: Chewing a cold (but not frozen) teething ring can help your baby relieve the teething pain. But it can also be something to play with. Just don’t forget to check the ring often and make sure it hasn’t been bitten through.
Activity bars: These are the toys that fit across a stroller bar to make a ride more enjoyable. They are either fitted with plush or made of plastic, with lots of attractive, colorful and noisy objects attached.
Baby gyms and quilts: Whether you're at home or on the go, it's essential for a baby to spend some time on the floor and there's no better place than one of this brightly colored and interactive mats with lots of toys attached.

Toys for Babies 6 to 12 Months Old

As she grows, your baby will start to roll over, crawl, sit and pull herself up to stand. There are many toys that can help her to improve her newly acquired skills. In this period she'll begin to play in a slightly different way - she'll no longer be interested only in toys that she can watch or shake. Also, she’ll put everything in her mouth, so make sure to buy only toys that are safe for her to play with.

Which toys to choose?

Stationary activity centers: With various toys that light, play or twist, activity centers are a great place that will stimulate your baby’s development.
Stuffed animals and dolls: In this period babies often develop a special connection with one particular toy (or a blanket). You should avoid all stuffed toys that have parts your child could pull off and put into his mouth - ribbons, bells, plastic eyes and nose...
Books: Look for interactive books, which encourage your baby to pull the tabs, open the flaps and turn pages.
Blocks: You should start with wooden blocks and move on to large plastic blocks that snap together after your child's first birthday. Even though she may not be able to put many of them together, pulling them down will be equally fun.
Balls: You can toss it in the air or roll it back and forth between you two. Once your baby starts to stand, she'll bounce the ball off the floor. Balls with different textures or ones that light and make some noise will be even more interesting than the regular ones. Just be sure that the ball is large enough to prevent choking.
Shape sorters: Trying to figure out which shape goes through which opening, you'll baby be entertained for hours. And occasionally she might get a little frustrated, too. You can also just give her a plastic container and some small toys.
Plastic cups: Filling and emptying them can be particularly fun during the bath time.
Pail and shovel: If for your baby there's nothing as interesting as filling and dumping, you should buy her a pail and a shovel.
Toy telephone: Even though she can't really speak, she'll love to hold the receiver and push some buttons.

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Baby Care Baby Toys
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