Your baby will grow rapidly from birth to 18 months. The right toys help his development by encouraging new skills just as he is ready to learn them. He learns to get active, crawl, walk, develop language skills, build on his intelligence and become socially and emotionally more mature. By understanding his developing abilities and finding toys to encourage these skills, you can help him play and learn.
Birth to Six Months
Rattles: At birth, your baby is able to see, hear, taste, smell and touch, though he has little control over his physical movements. He will hear a rattle and enjoy turning toward the sound; soon he will be able to hold one himself and enjoy the noise he makes.
Play mats: As he learns to lift his head and roll over, he will be able to push, pull and twist. This will help him to improve his eye-hand coordination. His mobility will grow as he rolls and stretches. Babies develop at different rates, according to Medline Plus, and some may roll over or sit with support earlier than others during their first six months. A safe play mat with plenty of interesting activities will encourage your child to develop his skills at his own speed.
Picture books: Even at this early age, your baby will be fascinated by pictures that have strong contrasting colors. Black and white pictures are easiest for tiny babies to see, and they enjoy seeing pictures of faces. This is an opportunity for you to name the pictures and help your baby understand a few simple words.
Six to 12 Months
Stacking toys: When she reaches six months, your baby will start to put things together and fit them in and out of each other. Stacking and nesting toys will help her develop dexterity and she will begin to learn about size, shape and texture.
Rolling balls: As she begins to crawl and then to walk, she will chase after balls, gaining confidence all the time. She will laugh and gurgle, enjoying exercising her voice along with her arms and legs. As the balls roll away, she will move faster and further to collect them.
Push toys: Once she is interested in standing, let her have a push toy such as a stroller or car, to help her balance and to encourage those first steps.
12 to 18 Months
Dolls and cars: Now your baby is learning that he can pretend a toy is a real thing. This is a big step on the way to talking and becoming more social. Help him enjoy this stage with doll's houses and garages, and play along with him, following his lead. You will be amazed by his inventiveness and, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, he will enjoy copying your play.
Lift-out puzzles: Your baby will be able to concentrate on picture puzzles and will have the dexterity to pull out the pieces and fit them back in place. Here is another opportunity to talk with him as you name the pieces and he begins to join in with you. You will hear many new words at this stage.
Now he is likely to be able to take a few steps, according to the National Network of Child Care. He has many words with some phrases and his horizons are much wider. Offer him a mix of activity toys, books and puzzles so he can use up his abundant energy and also learn to sit quietly and concentrate.
You will be helping him to learn a new skill almost every day.
