And Play Note’s for infants

Importance of play Toy’s are tools for learning Play time is important for work as well as pleasure. Research has shown playtime is essential to intellectual development. Throwing a ball, shaking a rattle, stacking blocks it’s not just for amusement it strengthens their muscles.

Toys that delight a three-month-old might bore a ten-month-old!! **Remember ** Toys that delight a three-month-old might bore a ten-month-old!!

Newborn Toys Enjoy reading, cuddling, music Appeal to sight, hearing, & touch Crib mirrors, rattles, textured, & musical toys Contrasting colors & patterns (red & black appeal to newborns) Poor eyesight so keep it simple

1-3 Months Enjoy interaction Musical & singing toys, being sung to Brightly colored books and mobiles Rattles of different:shapes, textures, sizes, colors, & weights Dangle objects above them to swat at Will be learning to smile, grasp & hold objects, babble, bring objects to their mouths

4-7 Months Enjoy playing games, sing songs, repeat actions Learning cause & effect Understanding object permanence Toys they can activate themselves Toys that make: a sound when shaken, cause & effect pop-up toys, practice finger control; puppets

8-12 Months Exploration toys Toys that develop hand-eye coordination Not picky Books with familiar objects Toys they walk around with

Choosing Toys Look for toys that encourage participation and use As babies abilities increase, toys can become more complex Choose toys that will remain interesting and appropriate for a number of years Look for age appropriate toys

Choosing Toy’s Cont. “Educational” toys are very expensive and typically only have one use Common household items like measuring spoons, plastic bowls, large wooden spoon, ect. make good toys for younger children because they can play with them in different ways