How to Select Developmental Infant Toys

Infant toys that aid development are usually designed to benefit children between one to 12 months of age. Developmental toys at this time should help an infant learn to use his hands, arms and legs. Infants at this stage are also developing listening and memory skills, focusing on color patterns and practicing eye-hand coordination. Superior toys will combine several developmental benefits into one safe toy.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Choose from Popular Developmental Infant Toys

1. Find used, rare and discount developmental infant toys on eBay (see Resources below). You can also search for developmental toys by specific brand, like "Leap Frog," "Lamaze" and "Fisher Price."
2. Choose one of the educational Waldorf baby toys. Toys like the Waldorf Knitted Fruit Set and Knitted Vegetable Rattles help infant memory and teach about colors and everyday objects.
3. Consider the award-winning Amazing Baby Developmental Bear Blanket Teether. The teether is ideal for an infant from birth on up, and is based on the popular "Amazing Baby" books.
4. Select one of the Sassy brand developmental toys found on the Sassy website (see Resources below). The bright and patterned links, rattles and books help infant development through sight, sound and eye-hand coordination.

Consider Developmental Toy Features

5. Buy infant teethers and rattles with various textures to aid oral development. Select toys with ridges, bumps, hard and soft pieces to stimulate tongue action. They also develop important chewing and sound-making skills.
6. Integrate bright colors and patterns into the playroom with plush developmental toys. Soft toys with engaging patterns and colors teach visual discrimination and help with eye focus.
7. Purchase musical toys to help your infant develop an appreciation for rhythm and sound. Musical toys help with memory, creativity and listening skills.
8. Use an activity or play mat designed for tummy time. Toys designed for tummy play develop arm, leg and neck muscles. Activity mats should also encourage balancing and movement skills.
9. Find developmental toys for the crib that can help your infant gain independence upon waking and while going down to sleep. Many toys offer music at the touch of a button, plus mirrors for interactive play.

Tips & Warnings

• Visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website to search for product recalls on infant toys (see Resources below). Select used toys and older models sold by private dealers. Search by parent company.