If you’re a parent looking for toys for babies here are some points to consider.
Actually there's really no strict rules on the type of toy for a baby of a certain age. It may depend on what baby can do on a particular age. As a guide here's Baby Center's guide to babies'e development stages. Newborns may just be contented with rattles and mobile, since they just developing their sight and hearing. You may need to reassess then upgrade toys once he learns to sit or walk. Napansin ko nga sa baby ko, 9 months na sya, hinahagis na lang nya ung mga rattle nya, mukhang bored na at gusto na ng mga toys like stacking cups and books.
NEWBORN TO SIX MONTHS
Mobiles and rattles will definitely be fun to a newborn to probably about 3 months. Since limited pa ang vision at hearing nila. At this stage, baby’s eyesight and hearing are developing. He'll spend hours and hours gazing and listening to crib mobile. They say black, red and white are most appealing to newborns so look for toys in these colors.
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From my baby, this crib mobile is my nephew's apple of the eye.[/caption][caption id="attachment_1056" align="aligncenter" width="300"]
This black and white panda was P's best friend during his first two months.[/caption]The rattle will provide exercise for hearing. Watch baby get curious and look for the source of the sound as you shake the rattle from different directions.
When baby learns to hold and grasp, this usually starts around 2 months, you might want to give him textured toys like blocks or books. Such will stimulate his sense of touch. Pulô's tita gave him Tiny Love First Book, which is double sided so it's teeming with fun activities. Guide his hands while touching a cloud on the activity book and say "This is soft!".
Another fun activity for babies at this age is looking human faces. You may place an unbreakable mirror in front of him. You'll see that he's starting to stare, may be even coo at the face in front of him. You can add some learning by teaching him parts of his face. Point to his nose and say "nose". Maybe he's not old enough to retain this but it's definitely a fun activity for newborns.
SIX MONTHS TO ONE YEAR
Starting around 6 months, babies may start to sit. Mine started sitting (with balance) around 7 months. His view has now changed from just lying down to being able to sit up. You can offer him shape sorters, building blocks and stacking cups. What to Expect also suggests toys like shape sorter, nesting toys and busy boards around this month. These may develop his hand and eye coordination. Hindi pa kaya ni baby na pagpatung-patungin ang stacking cups nya pero natutuwa sya kapag pinapatumba nya ang tower!
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Stackable cups can help improve hand-eye coordination.[/caption]As early as three months, babies can actually see farther than those away from his straight line of sight, may even be aware of things inside the room. He may now appreciate stuffed toys. Just a note, never stock the stuffed toys in the crib with the baby in it. Baby's ventilation may be blocked.
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Stuffed toys are versatible. My baby loves this gorilla. He had this when he was 6 months. Until now, Gori is still his friend.[/caption]By the time he can stand with support, you can give him toy push carts or walkers. They can provide support as he takes his first steps. Just make sure such push toys have skids and are stable, so baby can lean on them safely as he moves forward. Never leave the baby who's just learning to stand and walk alone on a push toy.
A note on baby walkers
There's actually conflicting advices on using baby walkers. Read my post discussing this. My take is as long as you're using it with adult supervision and for a limited period per day, then it's ok.
Do not under estimate to joy babies can get from ordinary objects. Let him touch actual things rather than looking on just pictures or photos. Click here for my post on everyday objects which may work as baby's toys.
Most labels in the toy packaging usually indicate the appropriate aged for the toy. Read this for more tips on choosing and taking care of the little one's toys.
Ok, have fun with baby!
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