Your baby loves to explore their new world. In looking for the best toys for 1 year old it is overwhelming as you have so many choices. You can go overboard and buy the latest thing but if your child does not play with it you have wasted your money. The types of toys babies seem to enjoy the most are the ones they can use their senses in different ways.
Babies are drawn to basic designs and colors. They like patterns and they do not have to necessarily have to be colored. A basic black and white toy does the trick to keep the cognitive interest of a baby. They tend to enjoy types of zig zag patterns and the like that are basic yet intricate in their minds at the same time.
Babies also like to touch, feel, squeeze, suck and throw. They enjoy sounds a toy will make while playing with it. It seems like a suprise to them and then they begin to realize that they can create the sounds themselves thus creating cognitive recognition.
Mirrors are also a great way for a baby to discover their world. Something about a reflection in a mirror engages a baby and mystifies them. They mostly come with baby play mats or they can be put on a crib for the baby to view while they are waking up from sleeping or in a crib during play time.
For up to twelve months babies like these discovery toys that make noise and are fun to look at and grab. The colors that you choose are best if you stay with basic green, blue and yellow or orange. The green is popular and easy on the eyes but the black and white seems to hold their attention the longest.
You want to make sure the toys are light enough for the baby to experience themselves and pick up and hold. Also that they are soft to the touch. You can get many toys that have many different touch points and colors that make sounds in certain places for the baby to discover.
Never rely on the labels of a child’s toy. Yes there are standards mandated for regulation but it does not take the place of you as the parent checking for any hazards. Make sure there is nothing that can come off the toy such as a button or simular shaps sewn on. As babies love to put things in their mouths this can become a choking hazard and you need to be cautious.
Learning cognitive skills with entertaining value make the best toys for babies. You can find all sorts of eductional and fun toys at local retailers and online. There are also many educational sites that recommend specific toys for your child. Just remember to check any toy for choking hazards before giving it to your precious little one.
