The first few months of a baby's life are a period of rapid growth and development. A baby’s awareness of the world around them increases during this time.
For example, newborns can hear noises from before they are born, and they may turn toward sounds and listen.
But they typically can’t focus on anything more than 8-12 inches away until one month of age.
At two months, babies can begin to distinguish between similar shades of color.
Understanding these stages can help you as parents and caregivers to give your baby what they need during their earliest life experiences.
Toys that are appropriate for each age and stage not only entertain but also aid in your baby's development.
This guide provides insights into the developmental milestones for newborns to 3-month-old babies, along with toy suggestions to support their growth.
Newborn to 1 Month: Getting to Know the World
Developmental Milestones
- Sensory Awareness: Newborns are just beginning to take in their surroundings. Their vision is limited to about 8-12 inches, the perfect distance to see a loving parent's face during feeding.
- Hearing: Babies respond to familiar sounds, especially your voice. They might startle at loud noises but are soothed by gentle, rhythmic sounds.
- Motor Skills: Movements are mostly reflexive, including grasping, sucking, and the Moro reflex (startle reflex). They can lift their heads briefly when on their tummy.
Wee Gallery Ocean Play Mat
Toys for a Newborn
- High-Contrast Cards or Toys: Black and white patterns help stimulate a newborn’s developing vision.
- Sensory Play Mat: A soft mat with sensory features or tabs helps baby stay engaged during brief periods of tummy time.
- Soft Sensory Toys: Soft-sided or fabric toys with chimes or rattles to attract baby’s attention.
Wee Gallery Taggy Ball with Rattle
1 to 2 Months: Engaging the Senses
Developmental Milestones
- Visual Tracking: Babies begin to follow moving objects with their eyes, tracking them slowly. They start recognizing familiar faces.
- Smiling: Social smiling emerges, and babies begin to smile back at people, typically between 6 and 8 weeks of age.
- Improved Head Control: Babies can hold their heads up for a few moments while lying on their stomachs.
Quality Used Lovevery Toys
Toys for 1 Month Old
- Rattles and Shakers: Lightweight rattles that make soft sounds can captivate baby’s attention.
- Activity Mats: Mats with various textures, colors, and hanging toys stimulate both touch and sight. These are great for tummy time.
- Mobiles: High-contrast or colorful mobiles hung above the crib can captivate babies as they start to track movement.
HABA Fun with Sound Wooden Discovery Blocks
2 to 3 Months: Discovering Their Hands and Voice
Developmental Milestones
- Hand Discovery: Babies start to realize they have hands and may spend time staring at them. They begin to open and close their fists and may reach for objects.
- Cooing and Gurgling: Vocalization increases, and babies start making cooing sounds, experimenting with their voices.
- Greater Head Control: Babies can hold their heads steadier and for longer periods while on their tummy.
HABA Wooden Rainbow Mobile
Toys for 2 Month Old
- Soft Teething Toys: Babies might start bringing their hands or objects to their mouths. Soft teething toys are safe and soothe gums.
- Mirrors: Unbreakable mirrors are great for this stage as babies enjoy looking at their reflections.
- Soft Books: Fabric or vinyl books with simple, high-contrast pictures are excellent for introducing the concept of reading and can be safely mouthed.
Conclusion
Choosing the right toys for your newborn to 3-month-old involves focusing on items that stimulate their senses, encourage social interaction, and support their developing motor skills.
PlanToys Roller
Remember, at this early stage, simple is often best. Toys that engage the baby's sight, sound, and touch can make a significant impact on their development.
Tips for Parents
- Supervise Play: Always supervise babies when they're playing with toys, especially at this young age.
- Interact: Use these toys as tools for interaction. Talk to your baby, mimic their sounds, and play together.
- Bonding: Your face and your involvement are the most stimulating and valuable for your baby’s development. You won’t need a lot of toys at this age – just a few to help stimulate baby’s awakening awareness of the world around them.