TOYS IN THE FIRST YEAR

Babies begin to play at 3 months or earlier. They love having objects to handle and to look at.  They find new objects more interesting than familiar ones. It is therefore best if their toys are given to them a few at a time, then changed around for variety. They will then show renewed interest in a toy which has not been played with for a few days.

In general, babies prefer toys which are brightly coloured and which make a noise. Toys for this age group should be attractive, manageable, fun, unlikely to break, washable and safe. Safe means that the toy can be handled and put in the mouth without causing harm. It must have no sharp edges, or points, or small pieces which could be swallowed. Also it should be splinter-proof. Stuffing should be clean, and paint should not contain lead.

3 months
The baby's first toy is likely to be a rattle, which has to be placed in the baby's hand. The rattle should be light and with a handle or ring which is the right size for a baby to grasp.

4 months
The baby will get pleasure from waving a rattle about. He will also enjoy beads on his pram and a mobile above his cot. 'Baby gyms' provide a lot of fun and discovery - the baby handles and kicks the hanging mirrors, rattles and beads.

5 months
Now that the baby is able to pick up objects, a wide variety of toys will give him pleasure - in the pram, on the tray of his chair, on the floor, in the bath and in the garden. When the baby is able to sit up unaided, the range of toys that can be enjoyed is increased.

10 months
Babies of this age have better co-ordination. They can easily reach for, grasp and pick up objects. They enjoy putting things into containers (bags, boxes, tins etc.) and taking them out again.

1 year
Babies now begin to take an interest in books.

TOYS FOR CHILDREN AGED 1-2 YEARS
Most of the toys for children under 1 year old will still be used between 1 and 2 years. In addition, the children can now stack bricks and play with other toys requiring similar co-ordination skills. They like picture books with simple stories or nursery rhymes. ‘Push and pull' toys are popular with children who can walk. Towards the age of 2, they are able to thread large beads, play with a ball, enjoy a paddling pool, and like 'helping' with the cleaning, cooking and other jobs with mum and dad.