Based on child development research, the following guide will help in your selection of toys for various age groups. Some playthings are recommended for more than one age category, as children of different ages often enjoy the same toy, each playing with it at his or her own level.

Birth to 6 Months

Abilities and Interests

Experts agree that even babies benefit from toys. Infants use their senses to learn about their world. For the first few months of life, babies are unable to grasp objects with their hands, but enjoy exploring with their ears and eyes. Therefore, toys that make noise or feature high-contrast, black-and-white or brightly colored images are especially appealing to newborns and young infants. Once infants can reach for objects, they enjoy toys that are textured and safe for mouthing. Remember, to avoid dangerous entanglement, toys never should be hung or attached to a crib, playpen, stroller, infant seat or around a child's neck with elastic, string or ribbon.

Toy Suggestions
Crib gyms*
Floor gyms
Activity quilts
Mobiles*
Safety mirrors
Teething toys
Large, interlocking rings or keys
Cloth toys
Soft dolls
Stuffed animals (with short pile fabric)
Musical and chime toys
Rattles

*Remove when baby is five months old or is able to push up on hands and knees.