How to choose a toy based on the abilities of the child in the first year of life

Are you grappling with the choices of toys to give to a small child?

The first 12 months of your baby’s life are filled with growth, learning and continuous exploration.

The child has a mad desire to hear, touch, see and understand. He is extremely curious and switches from one interest to another quickly. For this reason, sometimes a new toy can only keep him busy for a few seconds.

It is also true that children are often offered games that are absolutely not suitable for their age. Have you ever received a toy suitable for a 12 month old baby as a gift for your 6 or 9 month old baby? And seeing who gave it away be disappointed because the child didn’t even glance at it?

Many times we adults are inclined to buy games or books suitable for older children than the recipient’s age. Almost as if to anticipate the times or accelerate the stages of growth. But they are not always the right choices, on the contrary!

So here, based on a child’s growth stages, what are the characteristics that toys must have.

The one month old baby

At one month, the baby sees objects at a distance of 20-25 cm and does not distinguish colors. He still doesn’t have the aptitude for grasping objects and gets scared by loud noises. If you want to give a toy to a child of this age so that he can “use” it right away, you have to opt, for example, for solutions such as the carousel to put on the crib which can be the classic musical carousel or one that also projects lights like the Fisher-Price 3 in 1 Bear Mobile

The two month old baby

At 2 months, a baby begins to make his first noises and smiles at mum and dad. He shows his happiness by waving his legs but is not yet able to interact with a toy. He turns to the noises but locates only those in front of him.

For this reason entertainment such as carousels, music and light projectors are still suitable.

The three month old baby

When the child is three months old, he begins to recognize the faces of his mother, father and any siblings. He turns towards sources of sound, also recognizes the objects he sees most often and starts trying to grasp things around him. If he hands a toy to him, he holds it firmly

It also begins to lift its back when placed on its stomach.

Toys such as rattles that capture attention and/or those that can be bitten and therefore massage the gums such as the musical turtle may therefore be suitable from this age

The four month old baby

A 4-month-old can interact longer. With the help of an adult, he is able to grasp objects and is stimulated by games and toys that make him understand the cause-effect relationship.

Your own hands and your faces represent some of your favorite entertainment!

The five month old baby

The phase of your child’s great discovery of the world around him continues.

He is getting better and better at grabbing toys, interacts a lot and can do several things at the same time. He can get on his stomach when he’s on his back and vice versa. At this stage, games that make sounds and give different tactile sensations are suitable. In fact, sensory stimuli are very important in this phase of growth. In addition to the various play gyms, an example of a toy loved by children of this age is the Little Lion with lots of activities by Fisher-Price

The six month old baby

The child begins to sit up with support. He begins to understand and enjoy playing peek-a-boo. A child this age likes to drop things on the floor to hear their noise and see where they go. So arm yourself with patience, he could do it dozens and dozens of times on repeat!

Stacking games, shapes to fit together or games that stimulate him to crawl such as the little dog train are suitable for a child of this age

The seven month old baby

The baby is one step away from starting to crawl. He probably started crawling on his tummy. He recognizes the names of people and objects and begins to understand the concept of inside and outside. Color vision is fully developed and therefore he is attracted to colored and differently shaped objects. For this reason, toys such as the one with the assorted blocks are indicated for him.

The eight month old baby

At 8 months, the child begins to crawl, grabs even small objects, remembers recent events and understands that objects do not disappear if they are out of sight (concept of object permanence).

In this phase, toys that can offer a certain interaction or that help him to recognize the colors of objects are of interest and stimulation for him.

An example? The interactive ball the Smart Stages Interactive Baby computer for the most technological 😉

The nine month old baby

The nine-month-old baby has made some gestures his own, such as waving his hand “bye-bye” or extending his arms to be picked up.

He can stand leaning against a piece of furniture or the sofa.

As far as dexterity is concerned, he can pass an object from one hand to the other.

At this stage, games that stimulate language are appreciated. Read books to him, talk to the child, imitate animal noises… If you wish, you can support these activities with toys such as the Storyteller Caterpillar

The ten month old baby

Your 10-month-old starts making his first attempts at walking when you hold his hand.

He loves listening to children’s songs and could anticipate phrases, as well as recognize repetitive actions. For example, she expects baby food as soon as you start cooking!

The game of peek-a-boo remains one of his favorite pastimes to play with mum and dad.

Among the toys, if the child loves to sing and listen to songs, the Laugh and Learn Color Counting Clock could be very appealing to him!

The eleven month old baby

The child begins his exploration of the world on two feet by leaning on the furniture, sofa and chairs.

Begin to articulate words and execute simple commands.

Understands the meaning of “No” but it is said that he does not want to obey J

Understand the difference between small and large.

In this phase, toys that focus on shapes or that allow interactions and stimulate language such as toy telephones are a stimulus:

The twelve month old baby

The baby’s first year also coincides with the first birthday and lots of toys and gifts on the way.

The child now understands most of everything you tell him. He loves to imitate gestures and sounds. He’s attracted to other kids but he doesn’t play with them.

He is very cuddly and shows affection with kisses, caresses and smiles. The most coveted toys in this age are those that stimulate movement like ride-ons!

After this roundup of games, I would like to remind you that whatever age the child doesn’t need who knows what “infrastructure” to have fun.

Up to the age of three it is difficult for a child to play independently because he needs the interaction and presence of an adult. Sometimes it takes little to entertain him if not imagination, creativity and involvement!