| You may not have considered using play time to help | | | | or a high chair, you can give them brightly colored |
| your new baby grow and develop, but that is exactly | | | | shapes to handle. |
| what healthy infants need! | | | | There are many options, including plastic 'rods' that |
| Not only is visual, audial and sensory stimulation | | | | fasten onto strollers or walkers and fasten across |
| important for your child's development, but if you | | | | the front with circles, squares and other shapes |
| offer your child this kind of stimulation from an early | | | | attached to the rod. These shapes can be twirled, |
| age, your child will become more involved in the | | | | spun or pushed back and forth and make for great |
| world around him and his natural curiosity will lead the | | | | play for your young child. |
| way. | | | | Soft, sturdy, washable fabric books allow your child |
| While an infant or one-year old is not ready for the | | | | many hours of practicing motor skills as they grow. |
| toddler toys his siblings covet, she can use toys that | | | | They can flip pages, look at animal shapes, letters |
| will help her develop her coordination and motor skills. | | | | and numbers and YOU can wash their favorite toy - |
| In the beginning, your baby can't hold a toy or sit or | | | | no muss, no fuss. |
| stand to play with an object, but she can watch | | | | The old standby rattles and various 'shaker' objects, |
| mobiles and brightly colored crib 'hangings' that will | | | | allow your baby to practice new motor skills by |
| help her focus her eyes. | | | | grasping and moving these baby-friendly shapes - and |
| Her vision is a bit fuzzy but she can see things that | | | | he is rewarded with an interesting rattling or rolling |
| are about 8-12 inches from her face. So, in addition | | | | bell sound. |
| to mobiles, you can decorate the walls around her | | | | When your baby is old enough to hold and snuggle a |
| crib with animals, figures or brightly colored shapes | | | | stuffed animal, there are great options for child safe |
| with lots of contrast. She will love that! | | | | bears and other animals that make noises, talk, sing |
| Many mobiles also play soft music which your young | | | | and play music. |
| baby will find enjoyable. Make sure you mount the | | | | By all means, when you are looking for toys for |
| mobile well out of baby's reach and that it is | | | | children and infants of this age, or ANY age, be sure |
| fastened solidly to the crib or other surface, and | | | | they are age-appropriate toys, labeled as such by the |
| choose a mobile that has lots of color and shape. | | | | manufacturer. Do not put makeshift toys or toys for |
| You can also play a music box or a CD or tape with | | | | older children into your child's crib. |
| lullabies or soothing music your child will love. | | | | And stay away from toys with small pieces that may |
| As your baby gets a little older, he will love to look at | | | | detach from the toy or be pulled off by little hands |
| his own reflection in the mirror. Many baby supply | | | | or budding teeth. |
| stores and toy stores sell safe, plastic mirrors that | | | | Try to buy toys that can be easily washed and be |
| can be mounted on the crib or playpen. | | | | sure you don't use toxic or strong detergents or |
| Very soon, your child will start to turn over and even | | | | cleaning fluids on your child's toys. Remember, your |
| sit up. When your child is sitting in a walker, a swing | | | | baby will put EVERYTHING in his mouth! |