Babies do not need many toys in the early months. The key is choosing a few quality toys that are appropriate for each developmental stage. This article gives an overview of the essential toys that will assist in stimulating your baby though each milestone.

Newborn
At this age a baby’s most important toy is his parents who will respond to him with goos and gaas and facial expressions. Babies may also benefit from:

Toys with a variety of textures to touch and feel
Mobiles with sharp color contrasts such as black and white Toys 0 to 2 years
Brightly colored toys that baby can suck on are good

Toys that play a tune are good to listen to

6 months
At this age babies become a little more interactive and will enjoy playing with the following items:

Rattle
Hanging pram toys - a variety is good and can be swapped each week
Soft ball
Soft toys
Mirror
Simple noise making toys
Activity playmat
Cloth books

9 months
At this age babies like to explore a wide range of different objects. They especially enjoy different textures, colors and shapes. A variety of household items can be enjoyable to explore for example - paper, boxes, pieces of cloth, pots and pans. Other appropriate toys include:

Blocks
Pop up toys
Spinning toys
Activity centre
Balls that make noise when rolled
Board books

1 Year
At this stage babies start to investigate toys. Good toys to have include;

Different size boxes
Blocks
Stacking rings
Stacking cups
Noise making toys ie bells, maracas, xylophone or castanets
Large ball
Books

16 months
At this stage toddlers can begin to engage in pretend play. Toys such as a telephone, airplane or doll with bedding can be fun to play with. Other appropriate toys include;

Peg and hammer toy
Thick crayons and large pad of paper
A car that can be pushed
Tea set
A toy on a string that can be pulled
A walker
Books
Shape sorter

20 months
At this stage toddlers should be encouraged to engage in pretend play as well as continue to investigate items. Some toy ideas include:

Simple jigsaws
Playdough
Toys that float and sink
Pretend food and dishes
Toy broom or vacuum cleaner
Toy tools
Doll’s pram and bed

2 Years
Toys for this age can include;

Rolling pin or cutter for playdough
Color matching game
Jack in the box
Doll’s house with furniture
Farm with animals
Garage with vehicles
Truck for the sand pit
Giant beads and string
Different shaped containers for water play
Books

Reference

Ward, Sally (2004) Baby Talk, Great Britain

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