Every child likes to have toys. This is just as true during the first year of your baby’s life as it is later on in life. For babies, toys play an important part of your baby’s growth and development in that first year. Having said that, the types of toys for baby during the first year will change somewhat every few months.

As a newborn, your baby will enjoy just a few relatively simple toys. Mobiles are an example of this. Toys that squeak or make another noise are good for newborns, as well. Toys that are only black and white tend to fascinate newborns, and so are toys that use bright yellow or bright red. You can even read soft baby books to your baby during those first three months. Finally, an unbreakable mirror is a great toy for a newborn baby, as he will tend to be completely fascinated with his own reflection.

From ages three months to six months, your baby is ready for some new toys. One thing to keep in mind is that, at this stage, if it is in her hand it will be soon in her mouth, so toys that are safe to be placed in the mouth are important. This might include things like a rattle, or other toys that make noise. Once your baby starts teething, a teething ring makes a great toy that can also soothe your baby’s mouth. Activity centers and play centers, with toys that dangle that your baby can grab, are excellent toys for baby at this age, as well.

Between the ages of six to nine months, you can introduce bath toys, such as the old favorite rubber ducky. At this point, your baby can hold a ball, and may even be able to roll it between you. You can throw the ball, and ask him to go get it. Activity tables and tablets are god at this stage, as well. Some babies will be able to play with blocks now, as well.

Toys for baby become even more exciting as you draw to a close of that first year. Toy phones, brooms, shopping carts, and even vacuums all help your baby to role-play, and make-believe they are adults. There are wheeled toys with handles that can help your baby to stand, and can even help with walking. Larger toy cars and trucks are great at this age, as is a sandbox or a sand table.

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