When you're a first-time parent, there's so much to buy for your baby. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what you need and what you don't. One of the most important things to get is a set of newborn toys. These toys will keep your little one entertained and help them develop important skills. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of toys that are best for newborns.
Factors For Newborn Toys
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Safety
One of the most important things to keep in mind when choosing toys for your newborn is safety. All toys should be made from non-toxic materials and should be free of small parts that could pose a choking hazard. It's also important to avoid any toys with sharp edges or corners. Babies are constantly putting things in their mouths, so it's important to choose toys that are safe for them to chew on.
Developmental Appropriateness
Another thing to consider when choosing newborn toys is developmental appropriateness. Babies grow and develop very quickly, so it's important to choose toys that will help them reach their milestones. Newborns usually spend a lot of time sleeping, so it's important to have a few toys that can help them stay entertained while awake. Some good choices for newborns include soft dolls, plush animals, and teethers.
Another thing you might want to keep in mind is getting gender-neutral toys unless you know the sex of your baby beforehand. It can be difficult (and expensive) to replace a toy down the road if your baby outgrows it or if you have another child of the opposite gender.
When in doubt, go for classic toys that have stood the test of time. These are usually simple, durable, and easy to clean - perfect for busy parents! Some great examples include wooden blocks, shape sorters, and stacking cups.
Toys Newborns Need
Now that we've gone over some of the factors you should consider when choosing newborn toys, let's take a look at some of the must-have items for your baby's toy box.
Rattles are one of the most popular choices for newborns. They help babies develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for rattles that are easy to grasp and have different textures for your baby to explore.
Another great choice for newborns is a soft doll or stuffed animal. These provide comfort and security for your little one, and they can also help with social and emotional development. Look for dolls with embroidered features so they're safe for your baby to chew on. More on plush toys later!
Lamps aren't toys, but they are one of the most aesthetically-pleasing room decorations for your newborn's room. The mind of a baby is first accessed through the eyes. The baby's visual senses are one of the least developed at birth. Visual inputs during the infant's early days might have an impact on his or her developing central nervous system. Therefore, it is important to give your newborn a great introduction to light—and there's no better way than Gage Beasley's Duck Bird Children's Bedside Silicone Night Light Lamp!
Teethers are a great way to soothe your baby's gums during the teething process. Look for ones that are made from food-grade silicone and have different textures for your baby to explore.
Finally, shape sorters are a great way to help your baby develop their problem-solving skills. Look for ones with large, chunky pieces that are easy for little hands to grasp.
Plus on the Plushies!
Though there are plenty of toys to choose from, your safest bets are plush toys, plushies, stuffed toys, or whatever you want to call them. We'll accept it—and here's why.
Animals, both real and stuffed, have long been known to provide comfort in difficult situations. (Any parent who has seen their baby stop crying and start giggling at the sight of their favorite stuffed animal knows this firsthand.) For babies, the world can feel like a very scary place. Stuffed animals help them deal with these emotions by providing comfort and familiarity.
It is crucial for parents to help their children develop the ability to self-soothe, and having a favorite stuffed animal can help make big transitions – like welcoming a new sibling – feel less daunting. The comforting powers of stuffed animals are actually pretty strong, according to researchers. In fact, one study found that they can relieve trauma in children exposed to war and terror.
The bottom line is the familiarity and comfort that plushies bring are second-to-none. If you're a parent looking to give your newborn child a world of color and imagination, we're giving plus points to plushies!
Final Thoughts
When it comes to choosing the best toys for your newborn, it's important to consider both safety and developmental appropriateness. By keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose toys that will provide your little one with hours of fun and enjoyment. Thanks for reading! We hope this blog post was helpful in finding the perfect toys for your newborn.
If you have any questions or would like to share your own tips, feel free to leave a comment below. We love hearing from our readers!
Cheers!
~GB
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