Toys For Infants

Buying toys for infants can seem a bit confusing. After all, up until a certain age, babies don’t even really do anything with their toys, do they? But, actually, the toys a baby plays with can significantly contribute to their cognitive development. Bright colors, happy sounds and interesting noises are all stimulating to babies, which improves their mental capacity. Some of the best toys for infants include the following.

Puzzles –Baby puzzles have large pieces with knobs to help babies place the pieces. Puzzles develop spatial and cognitive skills, while also developing motor skills. Choosing puzzles with pieces that have animals or other items of particular interest to children can also help develop vocabulary.

Pop –Up Toys – Pop ups always bring a smile to baby’s face. But, along the way they’re also teaching cause and effect. Avoid pop ups that are very loud, however. You may actually scare baby rather than excite him.

Shape Sorters – Shape sorters are designed for babies six months and up. They help baby develop his fine motor skills and hand eye coordination. These toys can keep older infants occupied for quite some time.

Stuffed Animals And Soft Dolls – Babies love to cuddle and will often develop a special attachment to a particular doll or stuffed animal. It’s a great way to provide comfort and stimulate tactile exploration, too.

Play Gyms – These are typically floor mats with toys and visually stimulating images hanging above them. They’re perfect for younger babies, as they provide lots of visual stimulation. Choose black, white and red colors for very young infants. Because a baby’s eyesight is not sharp at a very young age, they’re more stimulated by high contrast objects.

Developmental toys for infants and children are always good choices. And, the good news is, if you stick with the age recommendations provided right on the package, you’re unlikely to choose an inappropriate toy. Following the age recommendations on the package not only ensures that the toy should be appropriately stimulating, but it also ensures that the toy will be safe for your child’s age.

Your infant’s toys are an important part of their development. Keep in mind that at least up until the age of five, play is the most significant form of learning for a child. So, do some wise shopping and choose infant toys that will get your little one off to the best possible start.