How do I choose a toy for a baby?

Play allows a baby to familiarise himself with the surrounding world and to develop. As he passes through the different phases of his growth, each baby develops at his own pace and develops his own personality. Information acquired as the months go by varies with each individual infant. Here are a few reference-points to help you choose the most appropriate toy for your baby’s development.

0-3 months
A baby perceives movement and colour, and listens to sounds. He is fascinated by abacuses and mobiles. He sucks anything he can put into his mouth. He tries to grasp objects around him: at 2 months, he loves rattles and teething-rings. 

3-6 months
As soon as he can sit upright, he is particularly fond of playmats and soft fabric toys. He loves toys which make a noise; he can laugh and make vocal noises.

 6-9 months
The baby  begins to crawl, tries to keep his balance, and manages to grab his toys. He can sit up easily and appreciates teething-rings to give his gums some relief when his first teeth start to come through. He likes activity gyms, bath toys, and soft toys, one of which will certainly become his ‘comfort’ toy.

 9-12 months
The baby crawls or goes about on all fours. He tries to get the hang of toys such as fabric books or stacking/building toys by exploring them or comparing them. Once he can stand upright, he likes to play with vehicles in order to increase his mobility.

12-24 months
The baby is mad about ‘pulling/pushing’ toys. Now more precise in his movements, he loves activity toys. As soon as he can walk, he uses his ride-on toys all the time. He absolutely loves “special effects” bath toys which can be filled, squirted, emptied, etc.

 24-36 months
Baby gets about rapidly and easily. He wants to do everything on his own and his favourite game is copying. Everything around him allows him to instinctively recreate his ‘cocoon’ within the family; he can identify with people. Baby is growing and doesn’t like you to go away: all his tricks are worth trying to postpone bed-time! A night-light or musical box can reassure him and help him go to sleep.