Introducing baby toys is an important part of a child's development. From the first two months of life, babies can start to explore the world around them through their senses, touch, sight and hearing. As they grow, they will begin to interact with toys in different ways, helping them to develop their physical and social skills. For the first two months of life, babies do not need or want toys.
Most babies don't even discover their own hands until around two months of age. However, by then they will start to grab the toys that interest them and put them in their mouths. To help them learn about the world, parents should provide toys with contrasting colors, soft sounds and different textures. Babies should play with their toys every day to fully interact with the world around them.
From two to six months old, babies will start to develop gross motor skills with toys that can be grasped. After six months, babies will start playing with toys in a more conventional sense, such as throwing blocks or rolling a ball. Psychotherapist Mia Rosenberg tells Romper that babies will likely begin to show interest in toys within the first few months of their lives. Rubber ducks, cups and jugs for pouring water and floating toys are ideal for babies to play in the bathtub.
At five inches in diameter, balls are perfect for babies three months and older to practice their fine and gross motor skills while grasping and rolling. Rosenberg also suggests focusing on super-simple toys that make noise or play music for babies 0-3 months old so they can start tracking sounds. Activity mats will still appeal to 4- and 5-month-old children, but parents can also introduce multi-textured books and toys that make sounds when squeezed or shaken.
