Laura Miller, owner of Imagination Village at 9 North Main St., sent us some tips on what to look for when you’re shopping for baby toys. Read and learn:
Your baby’s first and most important teacher is you. The care and nurturing you provide can be enhanced by a few carefully chosen, developmental toys. Here are a few things to consider when selecting toys:
– Think color! Babies developing senses crave bright colors with lots of contrast. Nanna might like pink and blue pastels, but newborns see black and red the best.
– Think texture! Give them power over their new world with crinkle fabric, bumps and tags. Textures encourage little ones to explore.
– Provide time for reflection – Babies love mirrors and mobiles; both provide self-directed exploration and opportunities for self-calming.
– Give them something to hold on to! Rattles and squeezy toys that are easy to grasp and easy to mouth teach cause-and-effect, the stepping stone to all future learning.
Remember to check that all toys are baby safe – especially stuffed animals and hand-me-downs. You don’t need to go overboard filling the nursery with toys. Think of good toys as learning tools for baby and props for new parents as they explore the great big, wonderful world together.
