Within the first year of life, children undergo a great deal of development. As quickly as the clothing size changes, the cognitive and motor skills also develop. Accordingly, the toys of your little darling should also be diverse. From cuddly toys to play trainers and building blocks. We show you what toys are suitable for the first year of their child’s life.
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Why Toys Are Important
Toys fulfill several functions for babies, but above all they are important tools for their development. They help babies and toddlers develop their sense of sight, touch, cognitive, and motor skills. By choosing the right toys, you can support your child in this development from the very beginning.
After Birth
In the first months, babies can neither sit nor grasp properly. They experience with their senses, the eyes, and the ears, and explore their environment. Toys and other things with strong colors and contrasts are better recognized by babies.
A cuddly toy or a cuddly blanket offers immediate variety. They are soft, can lie in the crib with your baby, and can be touched and examined at will. Mobiles also offer an exciting change, especially when mom and dad are not providing entertainment. Since your child can’t really grasp it yet, you can take over in the beginning. Play with dolls or cuddly toys right in front of your baby. You offer your baby a fascinating spectacle and he can learn from your handling of the objects.
There are also books that are already suitable for such young babies. These are usually clearly laid out and made of soft fabric. With interest, your child will follow how you turn the pages, and even so, early reading aloud promotes the development of their child.
Baby bouncers also offer an exciting change at this age. The rocking motion has a very relaxing effect on many babies – and only when the baby is relaxed can the parents be too. Another means of calming and good for listening are music boxes or radio plays.
From The Third Month
Around the third month, babies begin to reach for things more purposefully. Give your child the opportunity to practice grasping. Rattles are especially exciting because your child learns that they make sounds depending on how they move, as do toys that squeak. A play trainer is not only good for learning to grasp but also for developing visual skills. In the long run, you can expand the range to include slot-in games and large building blocks.
Children’s ability to concentrate takes years to develop. If your baby is still so young, you should not let him play with such toys for more than 10-15 minutes. Especially play trainers demand a lot of concentration from babies. Of course, you know your child best and can judge for yourself when he is hungry, tired, etc.
Teething rings or pacifiers are accepted by many babies early after birth. Especially during teething between the fourth and seventh months, a teething ring can provide your baby with relief. When buying teething rings, pay particular attention to the safety of the coolant they contain. They should also be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis.
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