As soon as the baby is born, it is exposed to external stimuli of voice, sounds, touch and sight. A new world is opened to the baby. It learns to associate comfort with voices and touch. As the baby grows, it learns to grasp things and this is a suitable time to introduce rattles and squishy toys. Slowly the baby learns to associate the sound with the toy in hand and reacts to it. Not only does it learn association, but it also learns the cause and effect of its actions like shaking the rattle in hand creates noise.
As weeks go by, they spend more time awake and are more curious about their surroundings. Day by day they get physically stronger and get better at coordinating their movements. Parents can encourage the learning process by talking to the little one and responding to the vocal expressions of the baby. It is in this stage that the baby only reacts or responds to the interaction initiated.
As the babies’ motor skills evolve, grasping at things becomes a new obsession for it, even though it might be their own hand and feet! Bright colourful things are quite an attraction during this stage and also the best time to introduce colourful textured toys. Care should be taken keeping in mind that such toys should not have sharp edges. Providing a baby gym with interesting objects that dangle and at the right height to swat encourages motor movement and coordination.
As the baby learns to flip over, sit and crawl, new and different age appropriate toys can be introduced. Balls with rattles inside or toys to aid walking, will encourage movement and hand-eye coordination. Once the baby starts sitting, this may also be a good time to introduce some dinning etiquette by giving food when they sit in the high chair. This association will reinforce that food should be eaten on dining table and not running around.
Gradually as the development of the baby progresses various things that should be kept in mind are:
Keep it Simple
Simplicity gives rise to creativity and allow child to be spontaneous. Toys which may be too specific limit the ability of the child to grow.
Electronic Toys
In this age of advanced technology, it is not possible to keep electronic toys away from children. However, one can always set limits to the exposure of such toys. Studies have shown that a child’s development is hampered due to over exposure, resulting in loss of hearing, weak eyesight and weight gain. Not only is the physical development hindered, mental capacity as in language development is also weak. A passive learning style may give take away the capacity to think independently.
Too Many Toys, Not Too Good
Too many cooks spoil the broth and same lies true with the toys. It becomes harder for a child to focus on one thing. It is suggested that sometimes an old toy kept away may be reintroduced as fresh and new. Sometimes the same toy can also be your child’s companion through various stages of his/her development.
Age Appropriate
Last but the most important is that age appropriate toys should be introduced to the baby/child. Toys meant for a particular age are meant to develop the child’s abilities during a particular stage.
It is to be noted that parents should not be over ambitious and push their child to play with toys not meant for their age as his may do more harm than good!
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