- Babies are visually stimulated by bright colors and bold contrasts such as primary colors and black and white contrasts. Look for toys colored with organic dyes instead of paint.
- Books are important for cognitive development. Recycled heavy cardboard, organic cloth and recycled plastic books for babies containing simple bright pictures or human faces are becoming widely available.
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Linked toys such as baby keys and toys that allow baby to grab in different places and grip different textures are good for muscle development and can be found in natural dyed rubber.
- Stuffed animals and cloth dolls provide texture. Many baby-safe cloth toys are now being made with organic materials such as cotton and wool .
- Babies are stimulated by sound. Rattles are a popular sound-making toy, but for a new spin on rattles try natural wooden rattles finished in beeswax, whey finish, or unfinished.
- There is a growing trend for electronic baby toys. These toys respond with light and sound when baby activates a certain part of the toy. Use these sparingly, as they can be overstimulating for baby.
