Five Best Toys for Infants

The five best toys for infants are those that encourage babies to interact with the world around them. As infants learn to engage with their world, they are also working on their own growth and development. Though different toys are geared toward different ages of infant, these five types of toys can be found throughout the age ranges.

Mirrors

Mirrors reflect light, which will capture the baby's attention. The look on babies' faces when they come across their own reflection is priceless. Baby-safe mirrors can be affixed to an infant's crib or playpen and are found on many baby toys.

Sounds

Infants will appreciate the soothing sounds of stuffed animals that play a human heartbeat or ocean waves. They can also appreciate different types of music. It is popular to play classical music by composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Bach to stimulate the brain and learning. CDs and DVDs play actual recordings. Music boxes and musical toys play interpretations of those songs.

Textures

Infant toys with different textures will stimulate babies' tactile and oral senses as they grab the toys with their fingers, feel them and maybe even put them in their mouths. Expose your infant to rough and smooth textures. Different fillings will have different feelings, as well, such as the difference between a gel filling and a crinkly plastic filling. Stuffed animals, rattles and teething toys can provide a variety of textures.

Interactive Toys

Young babies will start learning cause and effect with interactive toys. Look for activity mats and gyms where lights and sounds are triggered by her hitting or kicking. At first it will be by accident. But when your infant realizes that he or she is the cause of those lights and sounds, his or her movements will become more purposeful.

Books

It is never too late to start reading to your baby. Make reading a regular habit at bedtime to lay a foundation for lifelong reading. You also stimulate your baby's hearing as he or she listens to your voice. His vision is stimulated as he gazes upon the pictures. Your touch as you snuggle him close is reassuring and contributes to bonding.

Look for books that are sturdy, such as board books or vinyl books. They are going to be tugged and chewed on over the next several months. Read short classic stories, rhymes and poetry. Introduce vocabulary with simple word books.

Labels on infant toys should be checked carefully for nontoxic ingredients. Regularly inspect toys for loose or broken parts. Sign up for recall notices. Be cautious when purchasing used toys, as they could have been overlooked during a recall.