The Importance of Developmental Toys and Games for Babies and Toddlers

Toys do much more than just entertain your baby. A baby's brain develops fast and the right toys can stimulate that growth in positive ways. For example, younger babies need toys that can help them develop color and shape recognition, hand-eye coordination and an understanding of cause and effect relationships. Babies that are a few months older need toys that can teach them balance and mobility, manipulative skills and imagination development.

Learning Toys for Young Babies

Learning toys for the younger babies should be colorful, mobile and have a variety of textures. Games and toys that project moving colors and play music will stimulate your baby's curiosity. Crib mobiles that hang down so that your baby can watch and play are a fun addition. Most baby's like interesting rattles and teething toys. While many people choose cute stuffed animals or characters for their baby, but the child doesn't care about 'cuteness.' Babies are more interested in the different textures and features on the toy. To avoid accidental injury, be sure that any toy you purchase is designed specifically for your baby's age group.

Learning Toys for Older Babies and Toddlers

Older babies need a higher level of mental stimulation when playing with toys. Shape sorters are toys that allow babies to match shapes with the correct slot. This can improve hand-eye coordination and shape recognition. Toys a baby can push or pull will help develop standing and walking skills. Babies also enjoy building with blocks. Soft blocks that can be stacked are a great choice. Musical toys can help develop pitch and rhythm recognition while keeping your baby entertained.

It is important to choose toys that keep your baby stimulated. If your baby seems bored with a toy, it probably is not challenging or engaging. Keep in mind what skills your young one is developing and choose toys that encourage this development.