It is staggering to walk through the toy aisle of a store and see the sheer number and variety of toys available for your baby. From the traditional basics to the latest high tech gadgets, here's a guide to choosing the best toys for your baby.
Fancier is not necessarily better
Your baby's playtime needs are really very simple. You don't have to invest in the fanciest or most expensive toys to give him or her necessary stimulation and enjoyment. Your baby learns through experiences that stimulate the five senses (taste, smell, touch, sight and sound) and help the brain form the trillions of nerve connections that are so important to growth and development. In most cases, the very best toys are those that are simple and that allow you to interact directly with your baby.
Infants (under 6 months) - Look for toys that provide sensory input, especially those with contrasting colors and bold patterns. Black and white toys are very good, as are those with very bright colors. Look for a rattles and small toys that make different noises, and try to get a variety of textures as well. Mirrors that are baby safe are excellent toys, as are baby gyms and activity centers that stimulate the senses and encourage your baby to reach out and grasp the objects. It's also a good idea to spend time with your baby playing on his or her stomach to build up important strength; this is especially crucial if your baby is a back sleeper.
Infants (6 to 12 months) - Your baby is starting to gain mobility, and with that comes more exploration in play. Look for toys that can be shaken, banged, or pushed, and that make noise of some kind. Shape sorting toys and cups that nest together are also good for this age, as they encourage development of hand eye coordination. Remember, too, that you are an excellent "toy" for your baby at this stage. Games of "peek-a-boo", "clapping hands", "patty cake", and the like are great ways to interact with your baby while promoting healthy growth and development.
Toddlers (12 to 18 months) - This is the age of even more intense exploration as your baby learns to walk and "cruise" around the house. Babies at this age love toys such as blocks, water toys, stuffed animals, a toddler swing set, a toddler slide, and the like.
Toddlers (18 to 24 months) - Imagination and make believe emerge during this time period, so choose toys that help encourage and stimulate that kind of development. Look for a playhouse, puppets, puzzles, miniature kitchens, a playhouse, "dress up" clothes, and the like.
Save money by connecting with others
Even the most basic of toys can become quite expensive quite quickly, so look for ways to save money on what you buy. Garage sales are a great way of finding good quality toys at very reasonable prices, as long as you check them carefully for worn spots and/or potential safety issues before buying. Connect with other parents and set up a "toy swap" program, where you get together periodically to swap and share toys with one another. Finally, keep an eye on second hand and thrift stores, because they often have good selections of age appropriate toys for a very reasonable price.