Children's toys from 6 to 12 months

Even if you are still breastfeeding, a baby mug with a spout is a good idea.

Stacking rings: When their hands get busy and their brains are already active, these are great.

Soft blocks: Soft and fun.

Cds/cassettes/limited videos: These are not reallly children's toys but are vital ingredients in the mix of raising children. Sounds, specific sounds are vital for development. Baroque classical music helps the brain develop. While listening to music cds, remember to swing and dance gently with your baby. Associating sounds with visual movement and colour now becomes important. Babies love watching babies so look for good baby videos. Videos with real sound effects and animals are cool.

Cardboard/Bath books: Repeating the same story over and over is comforting to babies. Add your own sound effects as you read!Bath toys: They make bath time fun, and the more the merrier. Use an orange fruit sack on a wall hook above the bath to store them. This allows the toys to drip dry and keeps them in one place and off the floor.

Book of rhymes: Early repetition will set a foundation for later. Books with finger rhymes are good. You can memorise the rhyme with the finger actions.

Baby ring: For baby to lie in, on their back or tummy. They should have the strength and inclination to turn over at this age. If on their tummy, do not leave them unattended.

Wooden blocks: It is good to begin with these early.

9 to 12 months:

Shape sorter: Has and always will be a hit. Store the shapes inside the set to avoid losing pieces.

Building blocks: Helps develop spatial relationships as well as co-ordination. These children's toys and especially the coloured ones can be used to teach specific shapes and sizes.

Cds/cassettes/limited videos: Keep the videos to one hour or so at a time, and not more than twice a day if possible: The effects of that flickering screen affect the brainwave pattern, as well as the eyesight. More of a concern is the radiation (emfs) that spread off the screen. The teaching ability of videos is important, though.

Activity table: Buy or set up a small table not too high.

Cardboard books: Repeating the same story over and over is comforting for babies. Where you can, put in your own sound effects.

Push-along toys: Get the muscles moving and working. Develops gross motor co-ordination as well.

Block trolley: A better option to stimulate and assist walking than a walking ring. Doubles as a packing, pushing and unpacking exercise at the same time. Watch for little fingers close to the wheels. Back to children toys