The Best Learning Toys for Infants
Babies start to learn about the world as soon as they are born, and according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents can help their children learn by playing with them. Toys then are extremely important, and with stores filled with them, it can be tempting to buy every toy in sight. To prevent breaking the bank and filling your home with worthless toys, it is important to know which toys will actually help your infant learn the most.
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Newborn
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Books are one of the best toys for newborns since the most effective way to teach babies to talk is by reading to them. Reading helps baby get used to the sounds of words and of your voice.
A tummy-time mat is also a wonderful toy for newborns. They need time on their stomachs several times a day to help with their motor skills; a mat can help the entertain the baby while she exercises.
Music boxes help your baby relax, and she can also learn to respond to it in different ways.
Three to Six Months
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An activity mat is great way to teach cause and effect, when he kicks and grabs the hanging toys he learns which ones light up, play music or spin. Soft mirrors provide hours of entertainment for your infant. Babies enjoy looking at themselves even when they do not realize they are looking at their own reflection. Sometimes they even make a connection with the face on the mirror and start smiling at it.
Stuffed animals are also a great toy for babies 3 to 6 months old. According to the website, Baby Center, babies start their attachment to stuffed animals at this age.
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Six to Nine Months
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Babies love to play with pots and pans, which make inexpensive toys. At 6 to 9 months old, a colored stacking tower is a good learning toy. She learns fine motor skills when she stacks the pieces and you can also teach her the colors.
By the time your baby crawls, she will love to play with balls. Make her practice her gross motor skills by going after it, or you can also toss it to her and make it bounce.
Pans, wooden spoons and plastic containers usually entertain babies more than an expensive toy. She can stack and bang these while you cook.
Nine to Twelve Months
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When your baby starts to practice walking, a push toy can help him be more confident by giving him more stability. He will play with it for months after he learns to walk comfortably. Dolls help infants, even boys, learn nurturing and how to treat other babies and make friends.
Shape sorters teach your baby shapes, problem-solving, motor skills development and patience when that shape just does not want to fit.
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References
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