If you’re looking for the perfect gift for 0-6 month old babies, Emma Hubbard’s video covers the best baby toys to enhance their development. From Play Gyms to Musical Toys, these toys are sure to keep your little one engaged and growing. Remember to always consult with a medical professional for advice on your baby’s development and safety concerns.
Emma Hubbard, a pediatric occupational therapist, shares her expertise on the best and worst toys for babies in their first months of life. From Oball to teething toys, these items are great for fine motor skills and keeping babies entertained. Make sure to grab a free developmental milestone chart for guidance and peace of mind as your little one grows.
Play Gyms
Play gyms are fantastic toys for babies aged 0-6 months as they provide visual stimulation, encourage reaching and grasping, and promote tummy time. The hanging toys on the play gym attract babies’ attention and help them work on their fine motor skills. As babies grow and develop, they progress from tracking the toys to reaching out, batting them, and eventually holding and interacting with them. Play gyms also keep babies motivated during tummy time by offering engaging elements on the mat to interact with.
Oball
The Oball is an excellent toy for little hands to grasp easily. This toy helps enhance fine motor skills as babies learn to hold and transfer the lightweight ball. The Oball is safe for babies, as it is soft and not heavy if accidentally dropped. It is a colorful and engaging toy that babies love to play with and interact with to develop their motor skills.
Soft Mirror
A soft mirror is a great toy that promotes self-awareness in babies. Babies can see themselves in the mirror during tummy time, which encourages them to make noises and interact with their reflection. This toy helps keep babies engaged during tummy time and supports their development by providing a visually stimulating experience in a baby-friendly and safe material.
Sensory Books
Sensory books are essential for babies as they offer textures and crinkly sounds that stimulate their senses. These interactive books introduce basic concepts such as colors and shapes to babies in an engaging way. Soft tactile books are safe for babies to play with, as they are lightweight and do not pose a risk of injury if dropped. The high contrasting colors of tactile books keep babies engaged and visually stimulated.
Teether
Teethers are great toys for soothing teething discomfort in babies. They are safe and durable for babies to chew on, relieving the pain associated with teething. Teething can start as early as three months, and providing a teether to babies helps them alleviate the discomfort naturally. Teether toys are easy to hold and manipulate, making them a go-to toy for parents looking to comfort their teething babies.
Lamaze Toy
Lamaze toys are designed with multiple textures and colors to support babies’ sensory development. These toys feature various activities like crinkling, squeaking, and peek-a-boo elements that captivate babies’ attention and encourage exploration and discovery. Lamaze toys can be hung on play gyms or used as standalone toys to engage babies in interactive play and aid in their cognitive development.
Musical Toys
Musical toys introduce babies to different sounds, enhancing their auditory stimulation and promoting cognitive development. Babies enjoy hitting musical toys that make noises and light up, creating an interactive and engaging play experience. Musical toys come in various shapes and designs, such as drum sets or singing flowers, providing babies with sensory-rich experiences that stimulate their developing senses.
Rattles
Rattles are classic toys that help improve babies’ hand-eye coordination. The sounds produced by rattles capture babies’ attention and encourage them to track and reach for the toy. Rattles are easy for babies to hold and manipulate, making them ideal for enhancing motor skills and providing sensory stimulation. Circular rattles are recommended for young babies due to their ease of grasp and safety features.
Developmental Milestone Chart
Tracking your baby’s progress is essential for understanding their developmental milestones. A developmental milestone chart provides insights into what your baby should be achieving at each stage of their growth and development. By monitoring your baby’s milestones, you can ensure they are progressing as expected and identify any areas that may require additional support or intervention. Consulting healthcare professionals for advice and utilizing a developmental milestone chart can offer peace of mind to parents as they navigate their baby’s development.
Safety Concerns
When choosing toys for babies, it is important to prioritize safety and development. Avoiding baby jumpers or jolly jumpers is recommended due to safety concerns and potential risks of developmental delays. Consulting with healthcare professionals for guidance on appropriate toys and activities for babies is crucial to ensuring their safety and promoting healthy development. By following safety guidelines and seeking professional advice, parents can create a safe and nurturing environment for their babies to thrive and grow.