Do's and Don'ts of Toy Buying for Babies 0-6 months

Many doctors and baby specialists have said that the first 2 years of a baby’s life are most important because many life long habits are formed in the first years. As a new parent you will want to select the toys that will stimulate your baby and be safe too. Babies under six months old need toys too, but make sure you select baby toys that will promote development and keep your little one out of harm's way.

There are five things to look for when selecting toys for babies under 6 months: size, shape, color, and texture are the fundamentals along with toys made from non-toxic materials that can be easily cleaned.

Baby’s love bright colored toys and soft textures like foam and squeezable plastic toys. Typically, they are rugged as well as safe. Stuffed animals and toys may be better off left on the shelf for small babies since the fabric is often treated with chemicals and they usually have small pieces like eyes that can come off and end up in baby’s mouth. Also, they may be scratchy or have an unpleasant ruff exterior. Keep in mind too that everything that can, will at some time or other end up in baby’s mouth. Some stuffed toys may be manufactured in foreign countries where sanitary rules and regulations are lax and not up to US standards. Learn to identify toys that baby plays with from toys that make great room decorations.

Size is important too because if, for instance, a ball is too large, baby may not get all of the advantages of developing small motor skills if the toy can’t be comfortably handled by tiny finger.
 
For starters, make sure your baby has a beautiful mobile to look at in the crib. The colors, movement and sounds of a mobile are fascinating to a baby and will keep a little one occupied and fascinated for a long while. Babies also love soft music so be sure to keep a small radio to play when you little one is awake. Stand back and watch the little eyes get huge and trail from side to side and you’ll understand why it’s important to use the tools and toys to stimulate you’re baby’s 5 senses right from the beginning.