Hey there, as you navigate the world of parenting, you may find yourself wondering which toys are best for your newborn to three-month-old baby. In this insightful video, Emma Hubbard, a pediatric occupational therapist and mom, breaks down the top four toys essential for your baby’s development during this crucial stage. From a baby gym to a tactile book, Emma provides valuable advice on engaging and interacting with your little one.
Emma’s expertise highlights the importance of investing in toys that promote visual and motor development while being safe and enjoyable for your baby. Through engaging with your child as their best toy, you can help foster essential skills during their early months. Consider Emma’s recommendations to ensure your baby has the best start in life with just four essential toys.
Baby Gym
When it comes to entertaining your baby and encouraging their development, a baby gym is a fantastic option. Not only does it provide a safe space for tummy time, but it also helps in developing gross motor skills. The soft textures and hanging toys on the baby gym are designed to engage your little one while they are lying underneath it. As your baby reaches the age of three months, they will start reaching out and trying to grab the toys, enhancing their hand-eye coordination and motor skills.
Soft Mirror
A soft mirror is a great addition to your baby’s playtime routine as it promotes self-awareness and visual stimulation. Placing the soft mirror in front of your baby during tummy time encourages them to lift their head and engage with their reflection. This helps in developing their neck muscles and cognitive skills. Moreover, a soft mirror is easy for your baby to hold and interact with, making it a versatile and entertaining toy.
Tactile Book
Introducing different textures to your baby at an early age can greatly enhance their sensory development. A tactile book is an excellent choice as it allows your baby to explore various textures through touch and feel. The crinkly pages, tags, and lightweight design make it easy for your baby to interact with the book independently. Additionally, tactile books are easy to clean and safe for babies, ensuring a hygienic play experience for your little one.
Oball
If you’re looking for a toy that will engage your baby and improve their motor skills, the Oball is a perfect choice. This lightweight toy is easy to grasp, making it ideal for tiny hands to hold onto. The colorful and high-contrast design of the Oball stimulates your baby’s visual development, while the open design allows for easy gripping and manipulation. As your baby interacts with the Oball, they’ll be enhancing their hand-eye coordination and exploring cause-and-effect relationships.
Rattles
Rattles are classic toys that provide auditory stimulation for babies. The sound of the rattling beads or bells inside the toy captivates your baby’s attention and helps in developing their auditory senses. Additionally, rattles are excellent tools for practicing grasping and improving hand strength. With various textures to explore, rattles offer tactile stimulation, encouraging your baby to engage with their sense of touch and further enhancing their sensory development.
Teething Toys
When your baby starts teething, soothing their sore gums becomes a top priority. Teething toys are specially designed to provide relief to teething babies by offering a safe and comforting chewing experience. Look for BPA-free teething toys that are easy to clean and maintain hygiene during this crucial stage of your baby’s development. Teething toys come in various shapes and sizes, allowing your baby to experiment with different textures and sensations as they navigate the teething process.
Musical Mobile
For calming and soothing your baby, a musical mobile is a wonderful addition to their nursery. The soft melodies played by the mobile create a peaceful environment for your baby, aiding in relaxation and sleep. As the mobile rotates and plays music, it encourages your baby’s visual tracking abilities, promoting their focus and attention. The gentle movements and sounds of the musical mobile create a soothing atmosphere that helps your baby transition into naptime or bedtime with ease.
Sensory Balls
Sensory balls are versatile toys that offer a range of benefits for your baby’s development. The different textures on the balls provide tactile stimulation, encouraging your baby to explore and engage with their sense of touch. Easy to grasp and hold, sensory balls help in developing hand strength and coordination in young infants. By offering a variety of sensory experiences, sensory balls support your baby’s overall sensory development and encourage them to actively interact with their environment.
Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy
Introducing your baby to music and sound at an early age can be both entertaining and educational. The Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes Musical Toy is a portable and lightweight toy that engages your baby with colorful lights and engaging melodies. This toy stimulates your baby’s auditory senses and encourages them to explore different sounds and tunes. The interactive nature of the musical toy promotes sensory development and provides your baby with an engaging play experience.
Black and White Board Book
High contrast images are essential for your baby’s visual stimulation and development. The Black and White Board Book features bold, contrasting images that captivate your baby’s attention and support their visual development. By focusing on these high contrast images, your baby can enhance their focus and attention span. The durable and washable design of the board book ensures long-lasting use, making it a great addition to your baby’s collection of toys and books.