The use of toy accessories may or may not be necessary for one month-old babies, but as the baby becomes more sophisticated, toys become vital to mental stimulation. Select toys that are appropriate for the baby’s age; refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The baby’s limited comprehension of danger makes it important to avoid toys with sharp edges or loose or small parts. Opt for a stimulating toy; the best accessories will engage two or more of the baby’s primary senses (sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell). Choose a book with furry pages, or a scented toy.
Toys for Month 1
Black and White Mobile: Install a mobile with black and white shapes above the crib, just out of reach (about 12 to 15 inches [30-38 cm] above the crib mattress). During early weeks of life, the baby will respond more positively to black and white shapes than to colorful shapes.
Music Player: Use a radio, cassette deck, CD player, or music box to introduce the baby to music. Studies suggest that higher, calmer, and more melodic music, such as lullabies, will be most appreciated by the baby.
Stuffed Animals: Babies frequently mistake these toys as living, breathing companions (particularly if the stuffed animal has wide eyes). This is a technical glitch that usually disappears within seven to twelve years.
Toys for Months 2 to 6
CAUTION: Be sure the toy is safe. All models will begin to place objects in their mouths. Make sure all toys are solidly built, securely sewn, and do not have any loose, small parts. Inspect all toys regularly to ensure they meet these standards.
Activity Pads: Sold as an accessory at many baby-supply stores, activity pads are floor pads with multiple colors, patterns, and overhanging toys that help the baby learn how to swat at and eventually reach the things that interest him.
Books: Select books that the baby can explore with all of his senses. Board books, cloth books, and foam books are all useful tools for getting the baby interested in reading. Let him play with these books as he will, whether he chooses to look at them, feel them, or gnaw on them.
Instruments: Many babies enjoy playing and listening to music. Small drums or bells (without sharp edges) can tune the baby’s audio sensors.
Mobiles: At six months, the baby has the ability to see colors and to process complex shapes. To help develop his visual sense, choose a hanging or moving mobile with unusual shapes and bright colors. Replace the black and white mobile with a colorful one over the baby’s crib or in an area under which the baby can lay down.
Rattles, Squeaky Toys, and Balls: As the baby develops the ability to grab and manipulate objects, give him small hand-held toys to enhance these skills. Toys that make sounds will teach the baby the principles of cause and effect.
Unbreakable Plastic Mirror: Place one next to the changing table or attach one firmly to the side of the crib to provide a few minutes of daily entertainment and self-awareness.
EXPERT TIP: Some of the best (and most inexpensive) baby toys are everyday household objects such as spoons or coasters. These objects may be familiar to you, but they are new and exciting to the baby. Select objects that are too large to fit in the baby’s mouth, and are free of loose parts, sharp edges, or strangulation hazards.
Toys for Months 7 to 12
Balls: The baby may still enjoy tasting toys, so make sure the balls are too large to fit in his mouth (and too hard to bite a piece out of). As the baby approaches 12 months, he may begin to roll or even throw a ball back to you.
Bath Toys: Rubber objects that float, hold water, squirt, and/or stick to the side of the tub may entertain the baby during cleaning.
Blocks: Wooden and plastic blocks will help the baby learn to place and stack objects. Many models prefer knocking over stacks of blocks to stacking them. This is normal functioning.
Puppetry and Stuffed Animals: Entertain the baby by putting on shows or making his inanimate friends dance and sing.
Pull Toys: These toys often perform in some way when the string is pulled. Playing with these toys will teach the baby basic cause and effect. Always supervise the baby when he is playing with any toy featuring a pull string. He may swallow the string or pull tab.
Walkers: Once the baby is strong enough to pull up on furniture and take a few supported steps, many users purchase a walker. These wheeled items can be used by the baby for support while taking his first few steps. Walkers can be wagons, wheeled chairs, or anything the baby can hold onto and use to propel himself across the floor. Saucer walkers, however, are not recommended.
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