A few of my favorite toys for infants
You have completed your registry with all the beautiful items to fill your nursery. You have asked friends to supply diapers and clothes and breastfeeding supplies, but alas, kids need to play, right? What age should we give them toys? While your babies’ first playtime will often come in the form of human interaction, they do begin interacting with and becoming more curious about the way things taste and feel by 4 months. See below for our guide on some great toys to get you started for their first year.
Birth to 3 Months:
Fisher-Price Rattle ‘N Rock Maracas
This is the age and stage when babies crave human connection. Your baby’s first playdates will be spent in the arms of you and others that care for them. These interactions will help teach your baby how to connect with others. Your child may be able to grasp your finger in their tiny palm. They will also begin to associate the sound of your voice with you. This is a wonderful time to talk to your baby and sing lullabies. However, it is important to remember that your child may also begin to show you when they need a break. Pay attention to their body signals which will give you clues about their needs. When they have had enough play, they will often turn their head, begin fussing or arching their back or crying. Tummy time will also be important to introduce during this time to help establish better core muscles. It will also help to avoid the dreaded “flat head” which can result from too much time on their backs. Just remember to never leave a baby unattended when participating in tummy time.
Rattles are another great toy to use toward the end of this period. They can help baby strengthen their focusing skills, since eye development continues to occur during this time.
4 to 6 months
This is a fun age! Babies become curious about the world and all of the colors and sounds in it. This is the age when babies are really teething, and most objects go in their mouth. Make sure all toys are large enough and are not choking hazards.
These Nuby Keys were a favorite of all of my children. They are bright in color and able to be refrigerated or frozen. This helps provide relief to swollen and sore gums. When they are dirty, throw them in the top rack of the dishwasher to sanitize.
Baby Einstein Take Along Musical Toy
This has been the favorite toy of every baby I know. We jokingly call it the “crack” radio because babies are addicted! The combination of lights, colors and music mesmerizes babies. The large button is easy to press to manipulate the sound, and classical music is great for brain development, too.
Splashin’ Kids Inflatable Tummy Time Mat
This mat is fantastic for tummy time. The mat is an inflatable mat that you fill with water. Once filled, the foam creatures will float around in the water, giving baby a chance to catch them or track them across the mat. It is a great way to keep children engaged in tummy time, which can be difficult for some.
6-9 months
Your child is now or will soon be sitting, which opens the world in a different way. These are some of my favorite toys for this stage.
Peek-a-Boo Forest Interactive Story Book
Peekaboo Forest is a favorite among babies. They can sit for story time and enjoy exploring the flaps and textures of this soft book. It’s ok for teething, and easy to throw in the washing machine once it gets dirty.
Fisher Price’s Laugh and Learn Smart Stages Puppy
Fisher Price’s Laugh and Learn Puppy is great for babies this age! Colors, music, and a loveable friend make this a great option for kids. You can even program the animal to say your child’s name, making it a fun personalized experience.
Fischer Price Rainforest Jumparoo
I love this bouncer. It saved me with my third child. I was able to entertain my baby and get work done! It comes with adjustable levels, so it grows with your baby, and it is brightly colored with fun songs, colors, and activities for kids to explore. It is also a safe space to put your baby if you need to free your hands for a minute to make dinner or fold laundry.
Infantino Aquarium Bath Squirters
Bath time is becoming more fun now, as your baby grows more comfortable around the water. Help them enjoy it more by giving them a few toys to chew, dunk and squeeze. These toys squirt water, and are fun for parents to play, too! Take turns squirting each other with these.
9 to 12 months:
Your child is likely pulling up on objects and preparing to crawl and soon, walk! Toys that promote strengthening muscles and preparing babies for mobility are great to introduce during this time.
Sassy Stacks of Circles Stacking Rings
This is not your everyday ring-stack. These rings are sized differently and each has a different texture to promote recall and hand-eye coordination.
VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker
This interactive learning walker is great for seated play and as your baby starts to move their little legs. The removable front panel features music keys, animal noises and rattle rollers that help stimulate movement and keep your baby’s brain active.
ToyVentiv Wooden Activity Cube
This activity cube is FULL of playtime entertainment! between the activities on the cube and the extra accessories, your baby will be entertained for ages. Plus, all of the activities are learning-oriented with focus on counting, math, and colors.
