As a new mother, you want to provide your baby with the utmost care possible, and part of that includes selecting toys that are ideal for their growth. A baby's development depends heavily on playtime, and the correct toys can promote their cognitive, sensory, and social-emotional growth. The seven best toys for your newborn baby, including some of the best teething toys for babies and the well-known baby teething tube, will be covered in this article. We'll also discuss the benefits of letting your baby play with toys and give tips on how to pick and use toys that are safe and promote development in a child. Let's begin by analyzing the top toys for your baby's growth and development.
1- Soft and Plush Toys
For newborns, soft toys are a perfect alternative since they provide safety and relaxation while encouraging sensory growth. The following are some benefits of soft and cuddly toys for newborns:
Comfort and Security: Soft, cuddly toys can provide babies with a feeling of comfort and security, helping them to feel secure and at ease. This is crucial when something is stressful or uncomfortable, such as putting a baby to sleep or when they are away from their parents.
Sensory Development: Soft and plush toys come in a variety of textures that might help babies develop a sense of touch. Varying textures can stimulate newborns' tactile senses, encouraging them to explore and learn about their surroundings. Soft toys that feature bells or squeakers can also stimulate the sense of hearing.
Easy To Hold And Play: Soft and fluffy toys are often lightweight and simple to grip, which makes them the ideal size for small hands to grasp and play with. Also, because they are simple to manipulate, newborns are encouraged to refine their fine motor abilities.
Here are some examples of safe, age-appropriate soft and cuddly toys for newborns:
Jellycat Bashful Bunny: The Jellycat Bashful Bunny is an appealing option for infants because of its smooth, velvety fur, which is comforting for babies to hold and touch. The bunny is an adaptable plaything because it comes in a variety of sizes and colors.
The Manhattan Toy Snuggle Pods: These are a collection of soft, cuddly toys that are ideal for newborns. The toys are composed of soft, velour fabrics and come in various animal shapes, providing a variety of textures for sensory development.
Lamaze Freddie the Firefly: It's a plush toy that encourages sensory development through a variety of textures and characteristics. The toy gives babies a range of sensations to explore with its crinkly wings, squeaker, and teether.
It's vital to buy soft, cuddly toys for your newborn that are both age- and safety-appropriate. Search for toys that do not have little parts to avoid choking. For ease, soft toys should be machine-washable and simple to clean.
2- Mobiles
Mobiles are common baby toys that can stimulate the senses visually and aurally. Toys, shapes, or other objects that move when the mobile is activated are usually hung above a baby's crib or play area. Here are a few advantages for babies of mobiles:
Visual Stimulation: Mobiles can give newborns visual stimulation by exposing them to contrasting colors and shapes that can aid in the development of their eyesight. Babies are encouraged to monitor the moving objects on the mobiles, which helps them focus and concentrate.
Auditory Stimulation: Mobiles can also stimulate an infant's auditory system because some of them may have soothing music or sounds that can aid to soothe and quiet the baby. This can be especially useful when it comes to naps and bedtime practices.
Relaxation: Mobiles can aid in a baby's relaxation and promote a sense of calm, both of which are crucial for their wellbeing. Babies can become more relaxed and at ease in their surroundings because of the mobile's gentle movements.
Here are a few examples of mobiles that are safe and suitable for newborns of this age:
The Tiny Love Meadow Days Take Along Mobile: It's a portable mobile that can be attached to a baby's cot or playpen. It has a variety of vibrant characters that spin and sway, stimulating the senses both visually and aurally.
Fisher-Price Precious Planet 2-in-1 Projection Mobile: It’s a multifunctional mobile that can play peaceful music or sounds while projecting a calming light show onto the ceiling. The mobile also features swaying and spinning soft animal figures that add visual interest.
Manhattan Toy Wimmer-Ferguson Infant Stim-Mobile: This is a high-contrast black and white mobile that is specially made for infants. It has a variety of geometric patterns and shapes that can support the growth of eyesight.It's important to pick a mobile that is safe and suitable for your infant's age. Buy mobiles made of non-toxic materials and with secure attachments. Avoid mobiles with small parts that provide a choking risk, and make sure the mobile is out of your child's reach.
3- Activity GYM
Activity gyms are great toys for infants since they provide the development of motor skills and offer possibilities for play and exploration. The following are some benefits of infant activity gyms:
Activity gyms: They can support the motor skill development of infants by encouraging them to reach for and grab various toys. Babies may begin to roll, sit, and crawl as they grow and develop, and the toys in the activity gym can help with the growth of these abilities.
Exploration & Play: Infants can play and explore in a safe environment at activity gyms. The various toys and textures can give sensory stimulation, which is crucial for the growth of the brain.
Activity gyms can help promote tummy time, which is crucial for the motor and cognitive development of newborns. Tummy time can be made more pleasurable for newborns by using the toys in the activity gym to keep them occupied and amused.
The following are some examples of the various kinds of toys that can be used in an exercise gym:
Plush Toys: Soft, cuddly toys can give infants a soothing, tactile sensation. They can give a sense of security and promote the growth of the senses.
Mirrors: Mirrors can be a source of amusement and assist in the maturation of a baby's sense of self.
Textured Toys: Toys with various textures can stimulate the senses and encourage exploration.
Here are a few illustrations of baby-friendly, age-appropriate activity gyms:
Fisher-Price Deluxe Kick & Play Piano Gym: This product is a soft mat with a removable piano that plays music and has lights. The gym also has mirrors, textured animals, and hanging toys.
The Skip Hop Silver Lining Cloud Baby Play Mat and Infant Activity Gym: It consists of a soft, cushioned mat and a removable activity gym in the form of a cloud. The gym has a crinkle ball, mirrors, and hanging toys.
Baby Einstein 4-in-1 Kickin' Tunes for Language and Music Learning: It has a plush mat and a detachable activity gym. Mirrors, hanging toys, and an electric star-shaped toy with music and lighting are all included in the gym.
It's important to pick an activity gym that is safe and suitable for your baby's age. Avoid gyms that have little pieces that could suffocate a child and make sure the gym is set up on a stable, flat surface.
4- Rattles and Teethers
Some of the most popular toys for babies are rattles and teethers, and with good reason. They not only entertain, but they can also ease teething discomfort. The following are some advantages of rattles and teethers for babies:
Teething Relief: For babies, teething can be a painful process, but teethers can offer some comfort. Gum pain can be relieved and the discomfort can be distracted by chewing on a teether.
Entertainment: For babies' enjoyment, rattles, and teethers are also options. Their sensory and motor abilities can be developed by the noises and textures as they may be engaging and stimulating.
Hand-Eye Coordination: Rattles and teethers can also help in the development of hand-eye coordination. Babies' fine motor abilities are growing as they grasp and control the toys.
Here are some of the best teething toys for babies:
Baby Teething Tube: Made of non-toxic, food-grade silicone, the Baby Teething Tube is a great teething toy for infants as it provides a variety of textures to help soothe sore gums. It is an excellent toy for helping babies develop their motor skills because it is very simple for them to grip and operate.
Sophie la Girafe: It's a Natural rubber used to make the well-known teething toy Sophie la Girafe. Teething babies can find relief from its distinctive shape and feel, and the toy's design makes it simple for them to hold and manipulate.
Nuby Silicone Teethe-Eez Teether: Made of food-grade silicone, the Nuby Silicone Teethe-Eez Teether is a soft, textured teether. Its unique shape makes it simple to grip, and its smoothness soothes sore gums.
It's important to buy rattles and teethers for your newborn that are both safe and suitable for their age. Inquire about toys that are manufactured of non-toxic materials and are devoid of any small parts that might present a choking risk. Make sure the toys are simple for your infant to grasp and use, and clean them frequently to avoid the growth of germs. You can help in your baby's development and give them hours of fun and comfort during the teething phase by selecting safe and suitable toys.
5- Musical Toys
Newborns enjoy playing with musical toys, but they can also benefit from them in terms of their development. The following are some advantages of musical toys for infants:
Sound Exploration: Newborns can explore different sounds and rhythms with the aid of musical toys, which can assist to engage their auditory senses and foster their imagination and curiosity.
Cause-and-Effect Learning: A lot of musical toys require the user to act to play music, such as shaking the toy or pressing a button. This can help in the development of babies' problem-solving abilities and their understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.
Language Development: Music and other noises can help to encourage a baby's language development. They are enhancing their language and communication skills as they listen and mimic sounds.
Here are some examples of musical toys that are safe and age-appropriate for newborns:
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy: This musical toy is made for infants and has seven classical tunes as well as vibrant lights. It has big, simple-to-press buttons and is easy to hold in one hand.
Fisher-Price Soothe & Glow Seahorse: A soothing effect is produced for infants by the Soothe & Glow Seahorse, a plush seahorse that plays lullabies and glows softly. Newborns may easily hold and snuggle it because of its soft texture.
Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Slide Out Xylophone: For babies, this musical toy, has a range of musical sensations. It has a xylophone, a drum, and a pounding bench that allow babies to experiment with various rhythms and sounds while honing their motor abilities.
It's important to choose musical toys for your newborn that are both safe and suitable for their age. Look for toys that are non-toxic, and simple to grasp and handle. You can encourage your baby's development and provide them with hours of fun and musical learning by selecting harmless and appropriate toys.
6- Board Books
Newborns can easily be introduced to the world of books and reading through the use of board books. They are great for small hands because they are strong and resilient. The following are some advantages of board books for newborns:
Language Development: Board books can help in the language development of a newborn by exposing them to new vocabulary and ideas. Your newborn's vocabulary, comprehension, and enjoyment of reading can all be improved by reading board books to them.
Tactile Development: Board books frequently have interactive features like flaps or peek-a-boo windows that can encourage tactile development in young children.
Bonding and Interaction: Reading board books to your infant can be a terrific way to bond with them because you can both cuddle up and play interactively. Also, it can support the growth of your infant's emotional and social intelligence.
Here are some examples of board books that are safe for newborns:
Margaret Wise Brown's "Goodnight Moon": This well-known board book has simple, repeating text and relaxing illustrations that can help to calm and rest babies. It also offers interactive features that can help spark their interest, including a moon that lights in the dark.
Stella Blackstone's "Baby's First Words": With its vibrant images and clear, easy-to-read text, this board book acquaints young children with basic words and objects. Also, it has interactive parts and textures that can support tactile exploration
Eric Carle's "The Very Hungry Caterpillar": With its lively graphics and interesting content, this well-known board book tells the tale of a caterpillar's transformation into a butterfly and can benefit in the language and understanding of the development of a newborn.
It's necessary to find board books that are suitable for your infant's age. Seek books with strong, non-toxic construction, clear, easy-to-read language, and interesting illustrations. You may encourage your baby's development and create the groundwork for a lifelong love of reading by exposing them to board books.
7- Sensory Toys
Toys that excite the senses and support cognitive and sensory development in infants are known as sensory toys. The following are some benefits of sensory toys for infants:
Cognitive Development: By promoting exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking, sensory toys can help in the cognitive development of newborns. Moreover, they can support memory and focus abilities.
Sensory Development: A newborn's senses, including touch, sight, sound, and even taste, are meant to be stimulated with sensory toys. By introducing varied textures, colors, and shapes that inspire sensory exploration, they can promote sensory development.
Emotional Regulation: By creating a peaceful and calming environment, sensory toys can also assist infants in controlling their emotions. They can ease tension and encourage relaxation, which can be very beneficial in stressful or uncomfortable situations.
Here are some examples of sensory toys that are safe and age-appropriate for newborns:
Soft and Squishy Toys: As they are gentle on newborns' tender skin and encourage sensory exploration, soft and squishy toys are ideal for them. Examples include soft fabric blocks, sensory balls, and plush animals.
Teething Toys: Teething toys help ease the discomfort that comes with teething in young babies. These can contain various textures and shapes and encourage sensory exploration.
Activity Mats: Activity mats are made to encourage the development of the senses and the mind. They frequently have a variety of textures, colors, and forms in addition to interactive toys that promote problem-solving and critical thinking.
It's essential to choose sensory toys for your newborn that are both secure and suitable for their age. Inquire about toys that are manufactured of non-toxic materials and are devoid of any small parts that might present a choking risk. You can provide them with a stimulating method to learn about and explore their surroundings by exposing them to sensory toys.
Tips for Choosing and Using Toys for Newborns
Safety should always be your main concern when choosing toys for your newborn. While selecting toys for your infant, keep the following safety factors in mind:
Age-appropriateness: Check that the toys you pick are suitable for the age and developmental stage of your child. Avoid toys with small bits or sharp edges as they can be a choking hazard.
Non-toxic materials: As newborns frequently put everything in their mouths, look for toys made of non-toxic materials.
Sturdiness: As babies can be tough with their toys, choose toys that are well-made and long-lasting.
Ease of use: Infants' fine motor skills are still developing, so pick toys that are simple for them to grab and manipulate.
Toys that promote growth should be chosen in addition to safety considerations. Seek toys that encourage language development, motor skill development, sensory exploration, and cognitive growth. Changing up your baby's toys regularly will keep them interested and prevent them from getting bored.
It's crucial to interact with your kid and give lots of praise when they are playing. To get your baby's attention, talk to them, sing to them, or make goofy noises. Encourage them to play with their toys and show them lots of love and support as they learn new things.
Here are some pointers for interacting with your infant while they are playing:
Follow your baby's lead: Playtime should be led by your infant, so pay attention to their cues and preferences.
Use plain language: To assist your infant in learning new words and concepts, speak in simple sentences and repeat phrases to them.
Be patient: Infants need time to master new abilities, so be patient and give great support and encouragement.
Keep things genuinely funny: Play should be enjoyable for both you and your child, so don't be afraid to laugh together and act goofy.
You may provide your infant with a fun and interesting method to learn about and explore their surroundings by using these suggestions to help you choose toys that are age-appropriate, secure, and developmentally advantageous.
Conclusion
The correct toys for your newborn infant should be chosen carefully because they can significantly affect their growth and development. Toys can entertain and comfort infants while simultaneously fostering the development of their motor, cognitive, linguistic, and social capabilities.
The benefits of the seven best toys for babies are discussed in this article. They consist of:
Soft and plush toys: Soft toys are ideal for newborns because they give comfort and can help with sensory development.
Mobile devices: Mobile devices can stimulate the eyes and ears, help in the improvement of vision, and encourage relaxation.
Activity gyms: Including a range of toys like mirrors, rattles, and teething toys, activity gyms can help children improve their motor skills.
Rattles and teethers: In addition to providing teething relief and enjoyment, rattles and teethers can promote the development of motor skills.
Toys with music: Toys with music can support learning about sound and cause-and-effect learning.
Board books: Board books can promote tactile discovery and linguistic development.
Sensory toys: Toys with various textures, colors, and shapes are considered sensory toys, which support the development of the senses and the mind.
You can encourage your baby's growth and development while also giving them a source of fun and comfort by giving them a selection of safe and age-appropriate toys. While choosing toys, it's crucial to keep age appropriateness, developmental benefits, and safety factors in mind. To keep your baby involved and to give them plenty of praise while they play, keep in mind to constantly swap their toys.