| Parents today are eagerly introducing learning at | | | | guidelines for age and safety specifications. |
| an early age because they understand the value | | | | Here are just a few suggestions; |
| of education, and its connection to success in all | | | | - Very young babies favor objects that move |
| areas of life. Purchasing educational toys for | | | | slowly and/or have a soothing sound. Crib |
| infants is a popular choice for parents who wish | | | | mobiles will mesmerize newborns; just make sure |
| to give their babies the added tools that will | | | | it's within the baby's range of vision. |
| provide them with a head start. | | | | - Babies find unbreakable crib mirrors fascinating, |
| Research has found that providing infants with the | | | | and will stare at their own reflections intently. |
| proper sensory stimulus at an early age can help | | | | - From birth to six months of age, babies have |
| prevent many learning difficulties down the road. | | | | very limited motor skills. Teething rings, cloth |
| Providing your baby with the appropriate cognitive | | | | books, rattles and soft blocks will stimulate and |
| stimulation will not only protect against potential | | | | motivate babies in this age group. |
| learning problems, but can also help prepare them | | | | - Babies between the ages of six and nine |
| for the more challenging activities that they will | | | | months are old enough to benefit from toys like |
| face as pre-schoolers and beyond. | | | | stacking rings, building blocks and activity centers. |
| While your baby's motor skills and mobility may | | | | - Don’t be hesitant to introduce books at an |
| be limited, he/she is in fact learning at an | | | | early age. Babies will focus on your voice as you |
| astonishing pace. But, because their sensory skills | | | | read to them. They also enjoy looking at faces, |
| aren’t fully developed, infants learn physically, | | | | and will respond to books with bright pictures of |
| through sight, sound, and touch and need toys | | | | people; other babies in particular. |
| that help develop those senses. | | | | Although interacting with parents and caregivers |
| From a very young age, babies will respond to | | | | provides the best education during baby’s |
| bright, contrasting colors and simple patterns. In | | | | first few months, educational toys for infants can |
| addition, toys at this stage should be lightweight, | | | | provide other forms of physical activity via sound, |
| easy to grasp, make gentle sounds and provide a | | | | sight, and touch that will keep their little minds |
| variety of textures that the baby can feel. | | | | active, and help promote their healthy |
| As always, when selecting toys for a child of any | | | | development. |
| age, be sure to follow the toy manufacturers | | | | |