Children's toys from birth to 6 months

Search for baby language cues. Research shows that babies have few real needs when young and they have different sounds for each need or desire. What appears to be babbling is real communication and forms the basis for later communication skills.Read up on neuro-integrating movements as a baby's first teacher is movement, and research has shown how much brain development takes place in the first few months, largely due to movement. Help them to move their limbs across the body midlines. This will also add to your special bond. Study emotional intelligence for your child as well as for yourself. Be creative and as far as possible avoid the word “No”.

Massage oils: Make sure they are baby safe. Refer to a baby massage book for pointers as to how, where and when to massage.Baby sling or Carry pouch: Parenting very young children is a joy of bonding with one of these. Too, it makes carrying the baby easier around the house and frees your own hands for other things.

Safe soft children's toys: Different textures introduce baby to differing sensations. Choose toys that are warm to the touch and others that are cool. Ones that squeak or have bells are also good. Bath toys that squirt are a good choice.

Musical mobile: Not only do small babies love the sound and movement, these encourage them to move themselves. Glass or metal chimes, (Japanese and Chinese), with a higher pitch ‘ting-a-ling’ sound are better than those with a lower pitch ‘clang-a-lang’ sound. Keep them out of reach but in sight.

Cds/Cassettes: Specific sounds are vital for development. Baroque classical music helps the fast growing brain develop. While listening, remember to gently swing and dance with the baby.

Rattle: A forever and a day favourite.

Puppet: Finger puppets are a fun way to exercise those little eyes. Move the puppet slowly in a lazy 8 motion. Also check the puppets don’t have parts small enough to pull off and swallow.

Mirror: Seeing their own reflection fascinates babies.

Hanging toys: Best to get toys with contrasting colours.

Activity gym: The business for babies with busy hands. Gets their eyes following movements, too. They can get over-stimulated or bored if left for long periods with only an activity gym. Remember, there is no substitute for a parent’s loving touch.

Teething toys: At about six months, telltale signs of drooling and chewing begin. Short of losing the corner of a favourite book or risking a stain on your own favourite shirt, teething toys are the thing. Tie them tightly to a high chair so they don’t drop on the floor.

Soft books: Great inventions, especially as young ones tend to love a favourite story read over and over again. Soft corners mean they will not bash themselves while whirling the books above their heads. Rhyme books are good. Find a storybook to read where you can change the name in the book to that of your baby. For example, change “Baby saw the dog in the garden” to “Stephen saw the dog in the garden.”

Musical instruments: Avoid the tinny, synthetic sounding ones.Soft balls of various sizes: Winners all the way.Baby ring: For baby to lie in, on their back. The shape also has a secure feel for the baby. Age appropriate children's toys.