First Toys: What are appropriate toys for young children??

Poor parents.  It seems like every where I go new fancy “developmental” toys are on display that will supposedly help children learn more, or develop faster. I was amazed as I registered at Babies “R” Us at the list they gave us of everything we supposedly “needed” for our baby.  The truth is that companies that are only invested in making profits are guiding what parents believe is the best way to encourage their child’s development.  So, take a deep sigh of relief, because YOU DON’T NEED TO BUY ALL THOSE FANCY TOYS!  In fact, you shouldn’t.  Most of those toys are actually quite harmful to your baby’s development.

So what toys do you get your baby?  Well, for parents of infants, birth to six months of age, you actually don’t need any toys.  This includes all those swings and bouncy chairs with what I call “ADD inducers” all over them (you know, the stuff that lights up, spins, makes noise, etc. a few inches away from the baby’s face).  The only toy a young infant needs is…you!  You are truly the best learning tool for your young infant.  Your face will teach them everything they need to know those first few months of life.  If you are worried about the idea of not purchasing swings, bouncers, etc, I’ll be addressing that in my next post.

For the older infant, a few very simple rattles and scarves that can be reached for and grasped will do just fine.  Then you can start moving onto other simple toys.  I’ve found, and I often recommend to parents that you look around the house for toys.  My daughter’s current favorites include an oatmeal canister, the lids off her baby food jars, and her diaper wipes containers.  You can save plastic bottles and fill them with items such as rice, tissue paper, water with bubbles, etc. and then hot glue the lids on.  Babies love rolling these bottles around and shaking them to make noise or watch bubbles form.  Of course Tupperware, large plastic spoons or anything else from the kitchen also makes great toys. 

Some of the classics such as shape sorters, pop up pals, stacking cups are all still great.  Just remember think SIMPLE.  The less a toy does the more cognitive process it takes to manipulate and play with it.  This leads to learning.

Here’s the important things to remember about toys:

• Think simple
• Anything that would fit through a toilet paper roll is a choking hazard for a child under three years of age
• Books are always good at any age.  For young infants, they don’t need to look at the pictures, only listen to your voice reading
• Use items around the house, 1. because it’s free and 2. children are already interested in these items because they see you using them
• Rotate out toys every few weeks or so, children get bored with the same things all the time, or if they haven’t played with something for awhile they think of a new way to use it
• Avoid battery operated toys, they usually require little cognitive process and over stimulate both babies and parents

Coming Soon: Container Babies: What are they, and do you have one?