There are many developmentally appropriate toys for babies available in the stores that are relatively inexpensive and will last for a long time, but there are also many toys that are designed to appeal to the parents needs over the needs of the baby. Considering the developmental stage of a baby can help parents find toys and gifts that a baby will enjoy and learn from.
Blocks and Building Toys
Babies, especially as they near their first birthday, love to play with blocks on their own and with a parent. Babies love knocking down towers of blocks and trying to stack blocks on top of each other. When shopping for blocks or building toys for babies, look for soft blocks with no hard edges and make sure that there are no small pieces that can break off and be a choking hazard. Soft fabric blocks are a good first toy for babies as are squishy plastic blocks. Stacking ring toys are wonderful for helping babies develop small motor skills and are often brightly colored and visually appealing to babies.
Push and Pull Baby Toys
Newly mobile babies love toys that help them explore the limits of their abilities. Simple push toys such as cars, animals with wheels on them, or wagons help babies develop large motor skills and balance. Pull toys that babies can pull behind them help babies to develop coordination and spacial awareness.
Stuffed Animals or “Loveys”
Comfort items are developmentally appropriate for babies and can help ease anxiety when faced with new situations. Blankets, stuffed animals, or combinations of the two make a wonderful gift for babies. Look for comfort items that do not have small pieces such as beads or sequins that can fall off and end up in a baby’s mouth. Avoid stuffed animals that are stuffed with beads or beans and could put a baby at risk if they broke open. Babies enjoy experiencing a variety of textures. Look for comfort items that offer several textures and colors for a baby to touch.
Teething Toys
Since babies would just assume chew on a toy as play with it, teething toys make a wonderful Christmas gift idea for babies. There are many infant teething toys that provide a variety of textured surfaces for a baby to chew on and are wonderful at soothing sore gums.
Board Books
It is never too early to help your baby learn to love books. Look for board books with lots of colors and textures to keep a baby interested. Fabric books are a great choice for a baby's first book because they are soft and can be chewed on without being damaged.
Things to Consider Before Buying Baby Toys
Babies are at risk for choking on small objects and are more susceptible to contaminants such as lead in the toys they play with. Before purchasing a toy, be sure and check to make sure there have been no recalls on an item. It can often take stores a few days to remove recalled toys from the shelves. Use common sense and evaluate a toy yourself to be sure that it is safe enough for a baby to play with.
The holidays are so much fun when with a new baby in the house. Gift giving is a favorite for new parents and grandparents who want to show their love and support to the newest member of the family. With a little thought, it is easy to find wonderful, developmentally appropriate gifts for a baby.
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