Searching for the Best Toys for Infants’ Development? Look No Further
Searching for the Best Toys for Infants’ Development? Look No Further
What Are the Best Toys for Infants’ Development? Find Out Here
Choosing toys for your little one can be one of the most fun parts of parenting. Watching their eyes light up. Listening to their sweet, playful giggles. Your heart will be full.
But sometimes choosing appropriate baby toys can be downright overwhelming.
- What’s age-appropriate?
- Are age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate the same thing?
- Is this safe?
- Will this toy keep them entertained?
- Is the toy too difficult to figure out?
Add those to the never-ending list of questions parents ask themselves.
Choosing the best toys for infants’ development shouldn’t be hard. You want what’s best for your baby without trying hundreds of different toys. Honestly – most of them will end up crammed into a closet.
Thankfully, STEM.org does the hard work for you!
STEM.org awards its seal of approval to *ONLY* the best of the best. There are millions of toys saturating the baby market. But only the best toys for infants’ development are recognized with the STEM.org authentication.
What is the STEM.org Authentication?
The STEM.org authentication guarantees you’re getting the best toys for infants’ development.
When a toy is awarded the STEM.org seal of approval, it passed a rigorous test to make sure it meets or exceeds the STEM standards.
All toys displaying the STEM.org seal excel in these areas for tots[1]:
- STEM Subjects
- Sensory Stimulation
- Support Materials
- Diversity & Inclusion
- Socialization & Communication
- Imagination & Cognition
- Kinesthetics & Active Play
- Growth Accommodation
And these areas for older kiddos:
- STEM Subjects
- 21st Century Skills
- Content
- Diversity
- Socialization
- Technology
- Hands-On Activities
- STEM Career
Forget the cheap, mindless junk crowded on store shelves and web pages. Your little ones deserve better.
Look for a toy that’s designed with your child in mind.
The Power of Play for Infants’ Development
Playtime isn’t just to keep the kids occupied so you can get a few minutes of peace (don’t worry, we’ve all been there).
Actually, playtime is vital for healthy development. And it should start in the newborn stage and continue throughout childhood.
Why is play important for infants’ development?
Playtime is a natural way to build important skills that will last a lifetime. Play creates the foundation for brain connections[2]. These connections turn into brain functions and thinking skills.
This can look as simple as a game of peek-a-boo or as advanced as organized sports. Developmental play starts early. Continued play helps kids’ brains mature over time.
Some of the developmental benefits of play include:
- Strengthened brain connections
- Early language development
- Self-control
- Healthy lifestyle
- Resiliency
- Social skills
- Increased attention
- Improved memory
But it’s not all fun and games. Letting your baby play is one of the best ways to set them up for a lifetime of success.
Best Toys for Infants’ Development
An important point to remember when searching for the best toys for infants’ development is that all babies are different. So not all babies develop at the same rate.
Suggested ages for toys should be used as a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule.
YOU know your baby better than anyone. YOU see the developmental milestones as they happen. It’s up to you to continue supporting healthy growth and development. Go with the best and most appropriate toys for playtime.
Best toys for newborn development
Remember, the benefits of play start in the newborn stage. Newborn play focuses on sensory development.
The best toys for newborn development use high-contrast colors to help with eyesight and focus.
This is also the perfect time to explore textures. Introduce your little one to smooth, bumpy, scratchy, fuzzy, and slick surfaces to build their sense of touch.
Best toys for 4-6 month olds’ development
Say hello to tummy time!
Tummy time is the foundation for mobility. Babies have to develop strength in their upper and lower body to be ready to crawl.
Even just a few minutes of tummy time each day will give your little one a boost. Tummy time helps develop the neck and back muscles necessary to continue to the next stage of development – rolling and sitting up.
Add these developmental delights to your baby’s toy options:
- Rattles and bells
- Mirrors
- Rubber teethers
- Textured books
- Supportive mobility toys
Is your baby frustrated with tummy time? Is the dated, squishy mat not cutting it?
Step up your little one’s tummy time game with this STEM.org-certified mobility toy: The Crawligator.
No more watching your babe wiggle, scream, and cry out of frustration.
The Crawligator’s contoured frame supports your baby while putting them in the perfect position to strengthen their upper body. The unique design encourages arm movement, helping babies explore their world in a safe and developmentally appropriate way.
Make the most of tummy time and set your baby up for continued growth.
Best toys for 6-9 month olds’ development
Many babies of this age are starting to be mobile on their own. Which means anything they can get their hands on can be a learning opportunity – for good or bad.
Tap into your baby’s increased sense of curiosity with toys that show cause and effect.
- Blocks
- Balls
- Spinning toys
- Lift-a-flap
- Board books
Build early brain connections. Lay the foundation for critical thinking skills.
All through play.
Best toys for 10-12 month olds’ development
Your tike’s off and on their way to becoming a full-fledged toddler. Babies in this age range are ready to use their bodies to explore in more ways than ever.
Take the opportunity to encourage creativity and imaginative play.
- Dolls and stuffed animals
- Craft supplies such as paints, crayons, markers, and clay
- Child-safe beads and string
- Objects of different weights
- Puzzle boards
- Stickers
- Dress-up costumes
Choosing toys for your little one should be fun for *ALL*.
You should feel good knowing that you can find the best toys for infants’ development. And forget about the rest.
Trust the STEM.org seal of approval to provide the most developmentally appropriate and worthwhile toys for your babe. Use this guide to help you feel good about the toys you select.
Most importantly, get out there and play.
Don’t waste another penny on a toy that’s too simple or too difficult for your child to use. Stop throwing money away with toys that break within the first few uses.
Grab The Crawligator today. Rest assured knowing you’ve got a high-quality product guaranteed to support your little one in their developmental journey.
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