Why does baby need toys?

Toys help in baby's development. Toys occupy his time. Toys are a rich source of stimulation now and for years to come. Physical skills such as batting, reaching, stretching, grasping, shaking, pulling, squeezing and throwing are achieved with the aid of toys. Social skill, where toys provide babies to play with other people, is less apparent. Babies often offer toys to adults and other babies as a way of inviting others into his circle for interaction. Toys also encourage language and communication; babies tend to coo and babble at toys even when you are not around. Babies tend to benefit from complex toys that provide information and are complex and challenging. Such toys incorporate:

• A variety of colors


• Different visual patterns


• Opportunities for tactile sensations


• A number of shapes and contours


• responsiveness

Responsive toys or toys that make sounds, change shape and move in interesting ways when baby handles them are very much appreciated. It encourages baby to continue playing with such toys and over time baby masters skills. This mastery builds confidence and baby is encouraged to practice other skills. And the cycle goes on.



Toy Safety


Good rules to remember!


• Toys must be safe for mouthing.

• Toys must be nontoxic with a durable finish and too big to fit into baby's mouth.

• Toys must be free of sharp points and edges, trailing strings and ribbons to prevent entanglement.

• Be especially careful of small parts your baby can remove and try to swallow.

• Make sure soft toys are free of buttons, bows or eyes your baby might pull off. For this age, embroidered or printed faces are the best.

• Never hang toys or pacifier around baby's neck. He might become entangled in the string or get it caught on something and suffocate.

• Remove hanging toys from crib when baby begins to push up on hands and knees.

• Buy toys that are suitable for this age and avoid those that are meant for older babies as it may be unsafe for your baby!