| Fifty years ago, a new mother was happy with a | | | | This is one of the reasons that play is such a valuable |
| smiling and healthy baby. However, as times change, | | | | learning tool for young children. As a parent, you can |
| and competition increases in both education and | | | | select toys that facilitate interaction and social |
| industry, the intelligence of your baby seems to be | | | | development. Consider options like books, games and |
| on display. Almost every baby product claims to | | | | mobiles. Even something as simple as a mirror can |
| increase your baby's intelligence in one way or | | | | help a baby discover a sense of self and relate to |
| another, from their food to what they are playing | | | | the world around them. |
| with. Do educational toys really make your baby | | | | The type of educational toy that you select for your |
| smart? Can purchasing the right toys give them a leg | | | | baby will depend upon their age and developmental |
| up on the competition as they enter their school | | | | stage. A very young baby should be taught to reach |
| years? | | | | milestones such as tracking and grabbing. Toys with |
| There is no question that babies have the most | | | | contrasting colors and engaging textures can help |
| active brain activity than any other age group. They | | | | with that task. Older children will need more tasks in |
| grow at an astronomical rate and are constantly | | | | order to stimulate brain development. When babies |
| developing and changing. Babies take in information | | | | become mobile, you can begin to explore classic |
| through all their senses. Activities that stimulate their | | | | toys, such as balls and blocks. Also, don't neglect to |
| senses of sight, touch, smell and hearing can help | | | | include music and reading in the play schedule. These |
| them to develop the connections that they need for | | | | both encourage brain connections that increase |
| proper growth and development. | | | | intelligence. |
| An easy to way to ensure that you are taking care | | | | Baby toys with an educational bent have vastly |
| of all these needs, and meeting development | | | | increased in the past several decades. There are |
| milestones, is to use educational toys. Because babies | | | | dozens of choices that can possibly increase your |
| are designed to learn through play, the process | | | | baby's intelligence. The biggest thing to remember, as |
| becomes a fun experience for you both. | | | | a parent, is that every interaction you have with |
| In children, intelligence is measured in more than just | | | | your baby is also a learning experience. Your baby's |
| their ability to recite facts or grasp abstract | | | | toys are your tools, and they can certainly play a |
| concepts. A big part of infant intelligence is measured | | | | part in helping you assist your baby in reaching those |
| in the way that they relate to their parents, family | | | | important milestones. However, the most important |
| and peers. These skills are often learned by modeling. | | | | part of playing with your baby will be what they learn |
| Babies try to recreate what they see others doing. | | | | from their developing relationship with you, the |
| They want to learn and experience the things that | | | | parent. |
| you show them. | | | | |