Infants really don't need a lot of toys, but ones that are good for them are ones that are black and white. They can see that better than they can colors. Infants don't care all that much about toys yet, but they will in a very short time. Other than black and white I would also suggest music toys. Infants can hear very well, so soft soothing sounds are great!

As the infant gets a little older I would suggest toys that encourage tummy time. Just make sure that the baby is being watched very closely while using them.

Labels: baby questions, baby toys

I have had a lot of questions coming in about what to get your children for Christmas with all of the recalls. It is frustrating that every couple of days we are going through the toys making sure that there is nothing that can harm our baby's. As far as toys for now I would stick to things that are made in America, where there are a lot of laws about what goes into a toy before it gets put on a shelve. There are also things like instruments, and art supplies! Those make great gifts!! I don't know a single child that would love to bang on a drum :).

I will try and get some ideas about gifts. In my shopping blog I have some different gift ideas from books to laptops! There is also a lot of different online stores to choose from that seem pretty good, so if you in a hurry and need to get a gift now check out the baby shopping blog.

Labels: baby toys

Yesterday I talked a little bit about learning toys. As I do think the most important first teacher is you, some learning toys can really help. Alex has a laptop that has really helped him learning his letters and what letter makes what sound. It is something that we play together, he tells me what letter he will push next and then we both clap!

It can be hard to know which toys are really helping your baby grow and which are just trying to get the sales. Shown below is a Fun 2 Learn Laughtop. Alex's is a little different than this one, but his is a hand me down, so I had a hard time finding that one. I do really recommend them. If you like this you can just click on the laptop and it will direct you to learn a little bit more about it.

Labels: baby toys, Recommended Baby Toy

A question that is often heard is what should I get my baby that is, however many years old, for their birthday. The ages on the box are when they child will get the most from the toy. In some cases it is even a safety issue. If you are buying the gift for someone else and there is no ages on the box and you are unsure, you should ask the parents. You don't want to buy a toy that the child will not be able to play with.

This is especially true with video games! Some games that look OK really are not. Even the parents should be looking over the child's shoulder while playing for a while to keep an eye on the graphics and language.

Labels: baby toys

Something that I have started to do with Alex and his toys are that if I notice it has been about month or so without playing with a toy, then I take it to children who I know will use them or to goodwill. It really works, for now because he is so young, but I am going to keep doing this so that when he is older he wont tell me "no". I have noticed that kids like to keep their toys even if they don't play with them, as I'm sure Alex will try to when he gets older, but for now it works! If you decide to try this, you will be surprised at how many toys that your baby doesn't play with, I know I was!!

Labels: baby toys

If you have been reading this for any period of time you know that I talk about getting down to your child's level when you are playing. I did some studying on this topic and it really does help your baby, and it helps them with more than just playing!! It also helps them develop emotional skills when you give them good eye contact.

They also tend to get more out of play time when they share it with you. Mommy and daddy know how to "bring the toys to life."

Labels: baby toys

I really like learning toys, the leap frog and all that, but the truth is any toy can be a learning toy. If it is something new, it will have your baby wondering, whether its about the size, color or shape. Take advantaged of these new curiosities. Talk to your baby and help them understand that the ball is yellow and round.

That are taking in so much at this young age, and can do as much learning as you give them, so why not help them out a little. It's not like you have to sit them down and force them to do anything. It is just a little something added to their day. Talk to them, and explain things to them, just those little things will help tremendously.

I do have to say that I favor the "Laugh and Learn" toys a lot. I have several of their things and Alex loves them. They taught him what a tractor is and I had no idea until the other day when he said "hi tractor"!!!

Labels: baby learning, baby toys

This may sound silly but Alex has a lot of instruments. He loves to play the drum! He even has a little harp and he plays with it all the time! He has the baby grand piano as well, so he will probably be getting a guitar soon! My point is that baby's (or at least mine) love to play music. It could be a special activity, you could play music and dance together! Its probably not something anyone would see one a recommended toy list, but I love it. Not only does it help your child's imagination, but it gives you a time to be silly will your baby! Nothing beats that!!

Labels: baby toys, Recommended Baby Toy

Believe it or not, you are the best toy your baby could ever have! Do things together, sing dance, build with blocks. Color using finger paintings or even just with crayons. Make their stuffed animals come alive by putting on a show together! Talk to your little one about the things that you are doing and that will help them develop language skills. It is good for baby to play alone sometimes to and to be independent. That is where it helps to have good toys like the Drop and Roll Dinosaur.

Labels: baby toys

When your child gets to the age of video games, or even if someone in your house plays the games around your baby be sure that before your buy the game your check the rating and read the back.

If your baby is sitting in front of the TV while some of these games are being played, you really want to make sure that he/she isn't seeing things that he/she should be. They learn from everything, make sure they aren't learning the wrong things.

These games are getting very graphic and have a lot of bad language as well as violence. If you are getting the game for someone else and you can't decide if it is appropriate call the parent and ask if they have heard of it. If there is still a doubt, get a different game.

Labels: baby toys

When you are getting a toy for your baby or even a friends baby make sure you check the recommended age on the box. Then make sure it will match the baby's interest. When you have both of those things they will get more from the toy. If you pick something for a 6 month old and the box says 18 months + that baby may just look at the toy and get confused. Try to choose toys that your baby can really benefit from!

Labels: baby toys

New born babies can not see as clearly as an older child or adult can. It is good to use high contrast colors, such as black and white. Your baby will respond best to these colors until he/she is about 6 months old. It is easier for your baby to focus on toys of these colors, and also things with bold graphics.

Labels: baby toys

The Roll-a-Rounds Drop and Roar Dinosaur by Fisher Price is a great toy! Alex loves it and it's really good for babies to learn coordination. This toy is for babies 6 months and up. Fisher Price recommends it for babies from 6 months to 2 years old. It requires 3 AA batteries which don't come with it.

Click on the photo below to learn more about this toy (you can purchase it online as well.)



Discuss baby toys at the Baby Toys Forum section of the baby forum.

Labels: baby toys

The Baby Grand Piano is another recommended baby toy. My son Alex loves this and it's a great learning toy. You can purchase the Fischer-Price Laugh & Learn Baby Grand Piano at BabyCenter.com online.

Click on the photo below to go directly to this toy's page to learn more about it:

Labels: baby toys, Recommended Baby Toy

Something I do with my son's toys is split them up and put half away while keeping the other half out for him to play with. Then I rotate them every month or so and they seem like new to him! This way you save money on toys and your baby doesn't get bored. Every month he thinks he's got a whole new load of baby toys!

Also remember that all toys are made better when mommy and/or daddy get on the baby's level to play with them. Babies needs interaction with their parents and they'll certainly feel the toys are more interesting if you play with them too.

Labels: baby toys