Choosing Toys for Babies During the First Year of Life

Between 0 and 3 months: At this stage the baby can have toys that hang from the crib or stroller, with bright colors to stimulate the sight, made of anti-allergic fabrics with reinforced double stitching that does not break. The toys can be filled with anti-allergic cotton and washable. They should not contain any hard plastic tips that can poke babies. Rattles should be blunt in shape, with soft and pleasant sounds, brightly colored and with rotating pieces for the baby to enjoy the continuous movement.

Between 4 and 8 months: At this stage, babies are more active, can usually roll over and reach for toys. Toys that they can manipulate are ideal. They can be toys that encourage them to put items in and out of containers as they learn hand coordination. Toys that light up help babies learn about light, darkness and shadows and build visual perception skills. Auditory toys can be simple items food in the home such as an empty bowl or box and a wooden spoon. As they learn to bang on containers, babies explore sounds. They also learn how to control and coordinate their hands. Some babies also enjoy banging on pianos and xylophones. Toys with different textures allow babies to explore and develop their imagination.

Between 9 and 12 months: Most babies this age can sit up unsupported and are beginning to move around their environments. They may enjoy toys that they can stand behind and push around a room. They may be ready to sit alongside other children and play with the same toys such as blocks and balls of different sizes. Pop-up toys with levers, knobs, and buttons that cause doors to open and items to pop up can keep babies engaged for several minutes.