Baby Educational Toys

Baby Educational Toys: Newborn to Five Months

In the early years, play is education. A newborn is learning from everything he sees, hears, touches, and even tastes. Any item that stimulates one or more of the senses is an excellent baby educational toy. Some of the old standbys, such as mobiles, musical aquariums, and baby gyms, are still great choices for today's babies. Since babies are still learning about the basic senses, they can learn a lot from the world around them, but a newborn's world is limited to the few inches in front of his face. Some suggestions for newborn educational toys are:

• Symphony-in-Motion Deluxe Remote Control Mobile
• Rainforest Peek-a-Boo Leaves Musical Mobile
• Kids II Baby Einstein Play Gym

Toys for Ages Six to Eleven Months

As your baby reaches six months, he has likely reached many important baby milestones, such as rolling over, imitating sounds, and grasping objects. He is probably beginning to sit with assistance. As he grows towards his first birthday, he is picking up new abilities rapidly. Baby's world is expanding beyond the few inches before his face, and his toys should reflect his new horizons. Activities like sorting, stacking, and pushing buttons are important for his development. Some great baby educational toys for this age group include:

• Fisher Price Sort & Roll School bus
• Laugh & Learn Cuddly Puppy
• LeapFrog Interactive Leap & Groove Musical Table
• Evenflo Wild Thing ExerSaucer
• Safety First Rocking Jitter Buggy
• Sesame Street Wood Busy Beads

One Year to Two Years

During their second year, babies really blossom! They are suddenly mobile and curious about everything. Riding toys are important, as they help your youngster explore the world around him. Musical toys and dolls are also an enjoyable part of play for the one to two year old set. Here are a few recommendations for your toddler:

• Winnie the Pooh Sort & Sing Piano
• Bounce & Spin Zebra
• Fisher Price Stack & Nest Blocks
• Little People Sweet Sounds Home

Two Years and Up

As your child grows from toddler to preschooler, he begins to take more of an interest in pretend play and playing with other kids. Toys that emphasis the large motor schools are great for this age group. Activities involving cooperative play are also important. At this age, many kids are ready for "real" learning activities, such as letter sounds, counting, drawing, and writing. LoveToKnow Baby recommends the following:

• Little People Ramps Around Garage
• Little Tikes EasyScore Basketball Set
• Fisher Price Grow With Me Kitchen

Warning About Buying Toys

When you are shopping for baby educational toys, resist the urge to buy toys for a higher age range. While you may be hoping to boost your child's development, you could actually do more harm than good. Age recommendations are made to meet your baby's needs and to protect his health. Toys that are intended for older kids can be dangerous for a baby.