Your infant's mind is like a sponge soaking in all the new sights and sounds around him. Every room in your house offers adventure. Every household object is full of wonder. Kids Health lists play as the leading way that infants learn how to socialize, communicate and move. Teaching your infant everything he needs to know might be more fun than you expected.
Mobiles
Babies are intrigued by moving objects, claims "Parents" magazine. Because pediatricians advise lying infants on their back in their cribs, hanging mobiles make perfect learning tools. Kids Health suggests mobiles that feature strong patterns and contrasting colors such as red, white and black. Contrasts help your infant's vision develop. Mobiles with soothing lullabies or songs also help calm your baby if he gets fussy. Consider hanging a mobile over your infant's changing area, too, or any other location where he lies on his back.
Toys that Make Noise
Toys that make noise will teach your infant about cause and effect. When she shakes a rattle, she will learn that it will make a noise. Rattles also help infants develop their pincer grasp. The pincer grasp is the ability to hold things between her thumb and forefinger. Balls with bells in them are also great for teaching about cause and effect. When she rolls or drops the ball, she will learn that it will make a noise.
Tummy Time Mats
Though babies are not supposed to be left unattended on their stomachs, pediatricians generally encourage infants to spend some time every day on their tummies. Kids Health claims that limited "tummy time" will help him strengthen his shoulders and neck. The California Childcare Health Program notes that colorful play mats that feature toys and noise makers help children develop hearing and visual abilities, as well as problem-solving skills and sensory-perceptual skills. If you don't have access to a "tummy time" mat, a clean blanket will work for "tummy time." Give your infant a few toys to play with on the blanket. Because infants like to explore with their mouths, safe toys are those that are too big to fit through a toilet paper roll. Never leave your infant unattended during "tummy time."
Blocks
Blocks are great teaching toys for your infant. Penn State University's Better Kid Care Program advises parents that your infant might start exploring blocks with her mouth, so choose large, soft blocks. Infants will have a ball stacking the blocks and then knocking them down. Infants also love to bang. Blocks are perfect for banging together or against the floor.
Blocks also can help your infant develop physically. When teaching your infant how to crawl, place a block several feet from her and encourage her to crawl to it.
