Toys are the first friends for babies
What is a Toy?
A toy is an object meant for play; it is a tool of discovery for babies. Toys are the source of entertainment for babies they get amused by seeing them. A right toy at right age helps a child to improve their motor skills.
Why Toys Are Important for Babies?
Toys are important for children because they support learning, growth and development in many ways Toys play a crucial role in the brain development of babies by stimulating their senses, encouraging movement, promoting social interaction, and supporting cognitive growth. Here’s how different types of toys contribute to a baby’s brain development.
Different Type of Toys
Toys have a specific role in baby’s development every toy play important role in their upbringing. Every toy is not for everyone mainly they are made according to age. There are many Types of toys like;
- Soft toys – Soft toys gives babies emotional comfort it provide a sense of security. They help to reduce anxiety. Looking at soft toys face , color and expression the visual focus and attention span of a baby increases.
- Sensory toys -sensory toys help babies to learn about their senses like touch, sight, sound, smell ,and taste. These toys are design with different textures, sound and shapes to stimulate a baby ‘s brain and body .when a baby squeeze a soft toy or shakes a rattle they develop motor skill.
- Educational toys-Educational toys help babies grow by making learning fun for example toys with numbers, letters or color. Educational toys encourage curiosity ,boost confidence and lay foundation for life long learning.
- Musical toys-Musical toys support a baby’s growth by stimulating the brain ,senses and emotions. when a baby hear music or play with toys that make sounds like rattles ,drums or xylophones their listening skills ,memory and attention span increases.
- Building toys– Building toys like blocks, stacking cups and shape sorter help babies grow by boosting both brain and body skills. They understand cause and effect also like what happen when a tower falls! Building toys encourage problem solving ability, creativity and balance.
- Activity toys-In activity toys like walkers, busy boards and activity gyms supports baby development across multiple domains like physical, cognitive and social.
- Manipulative toys-Manipulative toys are those that require the baby to use their hands and fingers to interact by grasping, twisting, pulling, stacking sliding or fitting things. Babies strengthen their small muscles by, rotating, stacking or inserting objects.
- Bath toys-Bath toys are the toys which are specially designed to use during baby’s bath time. They make bath a fun activity by reducing fear or fussiness of water. These toys are water resistant often floatable and come in fun shapes, colors, and texture.
- Teething toys-Teething toys are also called teethers they help to soothe sore gums, provide relief from teething pain, and support oral and sensory development it relieves discomfort and applies gentle pressure to soothe gums.
- Imaginative play toys-Imaginative play toys are also called pretend play toys it helps babies and toddlers to use their imagination and creativity. By pretend play they can express their feelings. Imaginative play opens the door to fantasy world.
10 Basic Every Baby Should have
These toys are eye catchy and easy to handle Babies love them as they are attractive to them due to there shape color and size. Some are as below-
1.Soft rattles
- Easy to hold
- Stimulate hearing, hand eye coordination ,and grasp reflex.
2.Teething toys
- Safe for chewing to soothe sore gums.
- Encourages oral motor skills and sensory exploration.
3.Tummy Time Mats
- Include hanging toys ,mirrors , and textures.
- Promote tummy time, neck strength, and visual focus.
4.Stacking Rings or Cups
- Teaches size ,order and balance.
- Builds fine motor skills and problem-solving.
5.Soft books or cloth books
- Made of fabrics or soft plastic with texture and colors.
- Encourages early reading habits and sensory development.
6.Mirror Toys
- Safe,baby friendly mirrors
- Helps babies explore faces, expressions and self awareness.
7.Soft stuffed toys
- Provide comfort and emotional bonding.
- Great for early pretend play and cuddling.
8 Activity Cubes or Busy Boards
- Include buttons,levers, spinners and beads.
- Builds curiosity,finger control, and concentration.
9.Push and Pull Toys
- Encourages movement and strengthens muscles.
- Builds balance and coordination.
10.Bath Toys
- Floating animals, cups and squirt toys.
- Makes bath time fun while supporting sensory and motor skills.
Taking care of baby toys
- Clean baby toys regularly to prevents the spread of germs.
- Wash the soft toys in washing machine with detergent.
- Plastic toys and teether should be washed with warm water and mild soap
- Clean wooden toys with damp cloth.
- Keep check on broken ,loose parts, cracks or sharp edges.
- Store toys in clean bins or baskets.
- Sanitize toys after your baby is sick.
- Only give toys that are age appropriate and non-toxic.