The Best Time For Toys: Newborns And Play

when do newborns need toys

Newborns don't need toys right away, but as they start to attune to the world around them, they'll express curiosity and that's when toys can become integral to their development. For the first month, newborns can only see about 8 to 10 inches around them and have fuzzy vision. They will also have a powerful grasp reflex and enjoy sounds, so toys with these factors in mind are ideal. This includes mobiles, playmats with hanging toys, rattles, and toys with different textures and colours.

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Toys for newborns to 1-month-olds

Newborns to 1-month-olds are only just beginning to explore the world around them. Their vision is still developing, so they can only see objects that are 8 to 12 inches away. They will start to follow movements and faces as their awareness grows. They will also begin to reach out and grasp for things.

Babies at this age are learning about the world through their senses, so toys with contrasting colours, soft sounds, and different textures are ideal. Mobiles with bold patterns, playmats with hanging toys, and multi-textured rattles are all great options. You can also play with your newborn by lightly shaking a rattle near them or holding a brightly coloured toy 8 to 10 inches from their face.

  • Large rings or rattles
  • Stuffed toys with bright colours and different textures
  • Squeeze toys that make different sounds
  • Soft, multi-textured cloth or board books
  • Unbreakable, baby-friendly mirrors
  • Musical toys that play soft music or make sounds when squeezed
  • Activity mats or gyms with hanging toys

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Toys for 2- to 3-month-olds

At 2 to 3 months old, your baby is starting to interact more with their surroundings. They are developing their vision and hearing, and will be fascinated by your face and voice. They will also be reaching out to grab things, so it's important to provide them with toys that are safe and stimulating.

  • Baby play gym with hanging toys and musical elements
  • Soft blocks, squishy toys, and rattles
  • Security blanket
  • Cloth books with colourful images and different textures
  • Musical toys that play songs and make sounds
  • Baby mobiles that move slowly and make sounds

As your baby grows, they will start to explore toys by putting them in their mouth, so it's important to choose toys that are made from safe, non-toxic materials with no sharp edges.

You can also encourage your baby's development by playing games with them, such as shaking a rattle for them to look at and follow with their eyes, or placing them on their stomach for tummy time to help build their arm and leg muscles.

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Toys for 4- to 6-month-olds

By the time your baby is four to six months old, they will be developing their hand-eye coordination and will love to play with toys that they can look at, listen to, and interact with. They will be able to grasp toys and pass them from hand to hand, so toys that are easy to grip and safe for chewing are ideal.

  • Rattles: Rattles are great for this age group as they help develop hand-eye coordination and gross motor skills. Look for rattles that are easy for small hands to hold and shake, such as the Skip Hop Egg Shaker Trio.
  • Baby play gyms: These often come with hanging toys and musical elements to attract your baby's attention. Some also have brightly coloured mats with interesting textures.
  • Teething toys: Your baby will love chewing on toys that provide different textures and sensations. The Manhattan Toy Winkel is a popular option as it's beautiful to look at, makes a gentle rattling noise, and has colourful PVC- and BPA-free tubes that are perfect for chewing.
  • Activity centres: These are great for helping your baby interact with a variety of toys. The Skip Hop Explore & More Baby's View 3-Stage Activity Centre is a good option as it can be used from four months up to preschool age.
  • Touchy-feely books: Books with different textures are great for sensory exploration.
  • Stacking toys: These help develop your baby's fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. The Sassy Stacks of Circles is a good option as the rings can be stacked in any order.
  • Baby mirrors: Your baby will love studying their reflection in a baby-safe mirror.
  • Sensory toys: Toys that provide different sensory experiences, such as the Creative Kids Sense & Grow Sensory Magic Tissue Box, which has fabric tissues with different textures and colours.
  • Interactive toys: Toys that respond to your baby's movements and make sounds are great for this age group. The Lamaze Mortimer the Moose Clip & Go is a cute and interactive toy that can be clipped onto a stroller.

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Toys for 6- to 12-month-olds

When your baby is between 6 and 12 months old, they will start to play with toys in a more conventional sense. They will be able to knock over blocks, roll a ball, or snuggle with a teddy bear. They will also start to develop favourites and will be able to interact with their toys by moving items from one hand to another or searching for a toy you've hidden.

At this age, your baby will still enjoy many of the same toys they did as a newborn, such as mobiles and playmats with bright contrasting colours. They will also love holding and shaking toys like rattles, as well as swinging at dangling toys. You can also introduce them to soft, multi-textured books and toys that make sounds when they are pressed, squeezed or shaken. These toys will help them develop their hand-eye coordination and are easier for them to manoeuvre into their mouth.

Your baby will also enjoy stuffed animals, activity centres, and busy boxes with levers and sounds, which will help teach them cause and effect and give them a sense of independence. You can also give them toys that are safe for chewing, such as teething toys, to help soothe their gums as their teeth start to come through.

  • Squeeze toys
  • Teething toys
  • Rattles
  • Soft and plush toys
  • Light-up activity toys
  • Bath toys
  • Stacking or counting toys
  • Activity tables
  • Magnetic drawing tables
  • Sensory activity books
  • Climbing blocks
  • Play carpets
  • Activity gyms
  • Balls
  • Musical toys

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Toy safety guidelines

Age-appropriateness

The age recommendations on toys are important for safety. They are based on choking or safety risks, the physical skills and cognitive development of the child, and their interests and needs. Always check the age recommendation before buying a toy for a newborn.

Materials

  • Pick toys made of natural materials, like cotton, wool, and uncoated wood.
  • Avoid old wooden toys with chipped paint as they may contain lead.
  • Choose toys labelled phthalate-free, PVC-free, and BPA-free, avoiding plastic toys with recycling codes #3, #6, and #7.
  • Choose paints, crayons, markers, and other art materials that say "non-toxic".
  • Choose Mylar (foil-type) balloons instead of latex.

Potential dangers

  • Sharp edges and points: Avoid toys made from thin plastic that can break easily, and toys with metal parts.
  • Small toys and toys with small parts: Ensure toys and parts cannot fit inside an empty toilet paper tube.
  • Loud noises: Toys that make shrill or loud noises, such as toy cap guns, can damage your child's hearing.
  • Cords and strings: Ensure these are no longer than 7 inches (or 12 inches, according to another source) to prevent strangulation.
  • Toys that fly or shoot objects: These can injure eyes. Ensure arrows used have soft tips made of cork or rubber, and consider safety glasses for your child.
  • Electric toys: Only buy those that say "UL Approved" (Underwriters Laboratories).
  • Toys with magnets: Keep away from young children as they pose a serious risk if swallowed.

Storage and maintenance

  • Store toys in a safe place, off the floor, and out of reach of children when not in use.
  • Check toys often for damage, splinters, or sharp edges.
  • Sand down wooden toys when needed.
  • If repainting toys, use new paint; old paint may contain lead.
  • Check outdoor toys for rust.
  • Check toys with batteries or magnets to ensure they are not loose or missing.
  • Throw away plastic wrap and other packaging immediately.
  • Read and keep toy instructions, and explain them to your child.

Frequently asked questions

Newborns will enjoy toys that stimulate their senses, such as rattles, wind chimes, or musical mobiles. They will also enjoy toys with bright colours and patterns, such as stuffed animals, small fabric balls, and baby mobiles.

Newborns can play with toys from birth, but they will not be able to play with toys in the conventional sense until after 6 months.

Toys help newborns develop their senses and stimulate their development. They also help them learn about the world around them and develop their social and emotional skills.

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