| During the first three months of infancy, babies | | | | toys you give your baby during her teething stages |
| spend most of their time eating and sleeping. Their | | | | are safe for her to put in her mouth. Avoid toys with |
| eyes are just learning to focus on objects near their | | | | small parts that may pose choking hazards. |
| face and they are unable to grasp a toy with their | | | | Soft, cuddly dolls are ideal toys for infants as well. |
| own hand. Even in these helpless first few months, | | | | Choose safe dolls designed for children under a year |
| babies are beginning to discover their surroundings by | | | | old. Soft toys that squeak when you squeeze them |
| seeing and hearing. | | | | will delight babies and dangly plastic toys like key rings |
| As your newborn grows, she will learn that her arms | | | | will fascinate them. Activity gyms that allow babies to |
| and legs move. She will begin to explore her world | | | | lay underneath them and play are also good choices. |
| with the help of her sense of touch. During the | | | | Babies are captivated with their own image. Shatter |
| months of infant discovery, it is important to provide | | | | proof mirrors and activity mats with mirrors will allow |
| your baby with a variety of age-appropriate learning | | | | your infant to safely explore that pretty baby in |
| toys to promote her healthy growth and | | | | front of her. Remember to provide your baby with a |
| development. | | | | selection of sturdy board books and make reading to |
| The best toys for babies are those that allow them | | | | your little one a part of your daily routine. |
| to explore using their senses. Bright, vivid colors and | | | | Music has been proven to aid in childhood |
| contrasting patterns are easy for her to focus on | | | | development, so introduce your baby to a variety of |
| and toys that make noise will thrill an infant at any | | | | songs and rhythms. Play upbeat music softly in the |
| age. Various textures and toys with easy to operate | | | | background during playtime and consider a relaxing |
| buttons or knobs are great for encouraging | | | | lullaby CD at night or during naps. Sing with your baby |
| development in newborns. | | | | often and play simple sing-song games like pat-a-cake |
| Rattles are classic toys that are still favorites for | | | | with her. |
| infants. Look for rattles with bold colors and an easy | | | | Once your baby becomes mobile, she will enjoy |
| to grip handle. Until your baby learns to hold things in | | | | upright toys that allow her to push as she practices |
| her hand, typically between 3 and 6 months, she can | | | | walking behind it. Many walkers are designed with |
| watch the rattle as you gently shake it for her. As | | | | knobs and buttons that click and spin to entertain |
| your little one grows, encourage her to shake her | | | | your baby when she stops to play. There are several |
| rattle along with music and during sing-along time. | | | | toys that are appropriate for babies under a year old. |
| Most babies begin teething around 3 or 4 months of | | | | Choose toys that enhance learning and development |
| age, so be sure to provide your newborn with | | | | by allowing your little one to safely explore a variety |
| several teething toys. Many teethers double as | | | | of sights and sounds with her hands and feet, as well |
| activity toys with rattling pieces and a mixture of | | | | as her mouth. |
| shapes and materials to explore. Make sure all the | | | | |