Baby Toy - How To Pick The Best One

By: Michael Russell
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:20:38
Print this article | Tell a friend | For publisher | Social Bookmarking
Rating:
 

How do you know what toys are the best for your baby? A new parent can spend a fortune on baby toys and chances are your baby will not play with half of them! Here are some considerations to keep in mind when buying baby toys.

First, the most important consideration is safety. Do not buy any toy that will be dangerous for your baby. Make sure the toy is not too heavy-if it falls on your baby, will she be injured? Also, check for any choking hazards. A good test to see if a toy is big enough or not is the toilet paper roll test. If a toy can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is too small for a baby. Even big toys can pose a choking hazard if they have parts that can fall off easily. Remember that babies put almost everything into their mouths, so this is one of the most important safety factors.

If you are purchasing a large ride-on or sit-in toy, make sure it is stable enough to hold your baby's weight. Sturdy plastic is the best material for these types of toys. Also, make sure there are no sharp or rough edges on the toy that the baby can get hurt on.

Babies like contrasts, so look for toys that have bright, contrasting colors. This will keep their attention and give them something interesting to look at. Babies prefer bright, bold colors to the pastels we usually associate with their age.

The next thing you are going to want to consider is your baby's age. Some parents are tempted to buy toys that are too advanced for their baby, because they think they can push their baby's development. This is not true. Babies will not develop skills any faster if they are given too complex toys to play with. They will simply ignore these toys.

Newborn to three-month-old babies are not able to interact with their toys. The best toys for babies at this age are toys that they can look at or watch. Between four and six months is when babies start to interact with their surroundings more. Toys that they can bat at are good for this age. Also, if a baby holds a toy, chances are they might hit themselves with it, so make sure most toys are soft. After six months, interactive toys are great because this is when babies start to learn about cause and effect. Also, babies older than six months are able to control their movements more.

Pay attention to your baby and what his or her preferences tend to be. Just because you have a little girl, doesn't mean you can't buy her a car, if she enjoys pushing things with wheels. You will still be able to teach her to be a little lady, even if she does like playing with cars. Buy your baby toys that interest him-don't be too tied down to gender restrictions at this young age.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Toys

Article source: Expert Articles

Most Recent Articles in Babies Toddler category

  • Baby Shower Favors - What Will You Choose? - By: Jnet Verra
    Planning a baby shower can be a lot of fun, from making and sending invitations, selecting adorable decorations, planning the menu to preparing party games. Traditionally, they are the basics that baby showers need to consider. However today, if you are planning a baby shower, the more it is unique, the more it will become exciting and fun. Think outside the box! There are so many unique ideas that are beyond traditional when it comes to throwing a baby shower.
  • Nursery Furniture - Things You Need to Know Before You Buy - By: Phil Martins
    There are many things consumers need to know before purchasing nursery furniture. Buying nursery furniture is important to the safety of the infant as well as matching the decor in the home.
  • Involving Baby Gift Baskets During A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    To welcome an upcoming little bundle of joy, a family member or friend likely to plan a baby shower for the mom-to-be. Such event is not just a fun affair for everyone involved, but it is also a great time to shower the mom-to-be plenty of baby shower gifts that will definitely make her happy.
  • Baby Shower Supplies - Party Decors - By: Jnet Verra
    Planning a baby shower involve decorating the entire event. Decorating a baby shower is may sound challenging, but actually it is not. You don't have to worry about buying baby shower decors and party supplies, because there's a myriad option to choose from available in the market today. All it takes is to be creative and patient whenever you are scouting for baby shower supplies.
  • Tips When Hosting A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    Baby showers are a traditional practice thrown to someone who's expecting a child. Hosting it comes along with several things that needed to be considered. Although century old, the manner of hosting a baby shower changes over the time. Today, when planning a baby shower, everything needs to be carefully planned to make sure that it will turn out to be fabulous and memorable event, which the mom-to-be and guests will never forget for years to come.
  • Baby Shower Gifts - Personalized Baby Presents - By: Jnet Verra
    The baby's arrival cause family and friends to celebrate a baby shower, and thought to be showered with lots of baby shower gifts. Giving baby shower gifts has been a tradition, which means providing something that the new parents will need when their little child arrives. Today, there are thousands of stores both online and local that carry a wide variety of baby items that can be presented as baby shower gifts.
  • Arranging A Baby Shower - By: Jnet Verra
    A baby shower is a great detour, which honors the mom-to-be as her pregnancy is about to end. This event bring family and friends together to help the new parents welcome their upcoming baby, full of love and laughters.
  • How to Choose Baby Gifts or Baby Shower Gifts - By: Camber Lea
    Choosing the right baby gifts can be very stressful. Here are a few gift suggestions and ideas may help you find the perfect baby gifts. There are lots of gifts you can give to new baby, no matter how trendy or unique the gift is, always keep it practical!
  • Baby Shower Gift Ideas - DIY Baby Gift Baskets - By: Jnet Verra
    Coming up with an impressive baby shower gift on a budget is a bit challenging. Today, where the economy is struggling, one should think practical when it comes to giving gift. Since there's a new baby coming, which cause family and friends to celebrate, presenting baby shower gifts is a great add-on to the entire celebration.
  • Make Baby Night Nursing Easy - By: Camber Lea
    If you are struggling with the night nursing issue, here has some tips and advices from experienced parents may help.