Playful Beginnings

A GUIDE TO CHOOSING DEVELOPMENTALLY RICH TOYS FOR BABIES

CONTACT

Playful Beginnings: A Guide to Choosing Developmentally Rich Toys for Babies

baby boy holding guitar for newborn session

Developmentally Appropriate Toys For Babies

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyful experience for parents. As your little one grows and develops, providing them with age-appropriate toys is essential for fostering their cognitive, motor, and sensory skills. In this guide, we’ll explore the best toys for babies in the crucial developmental stages from infant to 18 months.

Ages 0-3 Months

Developmental Skills:

  • Visual Stimulation: Babies in this age range are still developing their vision. High-contrast toys with bold patterns and simple shapes can capture their attention.
  • Tactile Exploration: Soft textures and fabrics allow babies to explore different sensations, promoting sensory development.
  • Auditory Stimulation: Soft rattles or toys with gentle sounds can engage a baby’s sense of hearing.

Recommended Toys:

  1. Black and White Contrast Cards: High-contrast images like these stimulate visual development.
  2. Soft Fabric Books: These books often feature high-contrast images and different textures for tactile exploration.
  3. Soft Rattles: Choose rattles with soft grips, gentle sounds, and contrasting colors.
baby girl dressed as minnie mouse for newborn photos, laying with mickey mouse stuffed animal

Ages 3-6 Months

Developmental Skills:

  • Grasping: Babies are developing their ability to grasp objects with their hands.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination: Encourage reaching and grabbing to improve hand-eye coordination.
  • Tummy Time: Toys that encourage tummy time help strengthen neck and upper body muscles.

Recommended Toys:

  1. Soft Teething Toys: Provide relief for emerging teeth while encouraging mouthing and exploration with teething toys.
  2. Soft Plush Toys: Easily grasped plush animals or soft dolls can be comforting for babies.
  3. Mirror Play Mats: Play mats with attached mirrors engage babies during tummy time, promoting self-recognition.

Ages 6-12 Months

Developmental Skills:

  • Sitting and Crawling: Many babies are beginning to sit up and explore their surroundings by crawling.
  • Object Permanence: Toys that hide and reveal objects help babies understand the concept of object permanence.
  • Cause and Effect: Interactive toys that respond to a baby’s actions encourage an understanding of cause and effect.
  • Musical Play: Musical toys, playing simple tunes, or singing to their infants helps develop a sense of rhythm

Recommended Toys:

  1. Stacking Rings: Promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as babies stack and unstack rings.
  2. Interactive Play Gyms: Mats with hanging toys encourage reaching, batting, and kicking.
  3. Pop-Up Toys: Toys that pop up or reveal surprises enhance a baby’s understanding of object permanence.
  4. Musical Instument Set: Allow exploration of sounds and rhythms with toys such as baby drums.

Ages 12-18 Months

Baby Girl in children photos by Orange County Newborn Photographer Jennifer McNeil

Developmental Skills:

  • Walking and Motor Skills: Many toddlers are taking their first steps and refining their motor skills.
  • Imagination: Toddlers are developing a sense of imagination and may enjoy pretend play.
  • Problem-Solving: Toys that challenge toddlers to figure things out enhance problem-solving skills.

Recommended Toys:

  1. Push and Pull Toys: Encourage walking with toys that can be pushed or pulled.
  2. Shape Sorters: Enhance fine motor skills and problem-solving as toddlers match shapes to corresponding holes.
  3. Pretend Play Sets: Simple playsets with figures or dolls allow toddlers to engage in imaginative play.
  4. Simple Puzzles: Enhance problem-solving and fine motor skills.
  5. Activity Cubes: Offer various activities like turning, pushing, and sliding all in one eye-catching toy.

Understanding the developmental milestones of babies in different age ranges is crucial for selecting toys that support their growth. By providing age-appropriate toys, parents can create a nurturing environment that encourages exploration, learning, and the development of essential skills in their little ones. As your baby grows, adapting the toy selection to meet their evolving needs ensures a stimulating and enriching play experience.

jennifer mcneil headshot

Looking for Photos to Capture Your Little One?

The next step is to submit an inquiry and schedule a call.
Learn More

What are your baby's favorite toys?

About Jennifer

Since beginning her journey into professional photography in 2005, Jenn has helped thousands of families tell their story through the portrait sessions they share together. Whether elegant posed settings or casual romps spilling over with laughter, these maternity, newborn and family portraits capture what’s important to her clients. They also reflect what’s most important to Jenn: family read more..

Quick Links

Copyright ©Jennifer McNeil Photography 2022 | All rights Reserved | 926 E. Park Lane Santa Ana, CA 92705  | Sitemap | Privacy Policy

Facebook-f Instagram