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BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS
During the first six months, babies learn how to control their muscles, understand sensory stimuli, and express their physical and emotional needs. In the first few weeks of life, babies need physical and visual contact with people - their best focusing distance with their eyes is only about 8 - 10 inches. From about five weeks on, they gain new skills that help them explore their bodies and their surroundings. Toys that are designed to match your baby's emerging abilities will help keep him happy, interested and stimulate rapid learning.
Motor, Sensory and Social development in the first few months
During the first six weeks, babies develop the muscle control necessary to support their heads. They love to stare at their mother's face and focus in on objects with contrasting light and dark color. Starting at around six weeks, a baby responds to being smiled at by smiling back and showing pleasure. Between two and three months, babies are beginning to uncurl their bodies, spread their fingers out and unclench their hands. In the first three months babies are delighted to find their hands and feet and play with them. By the time he is three months old, a baby can lift his head up while lying on his stomach. During the second and third month, babies develop stronger, more deliberate leg and arm movements. They enjoy batting and swiping at objects within reach.
A bundle of energy!
By the time she is four months old, your baby has become increasingly active. While lying on her stomach, she can easily lift her head and turn it from side to side. These physical developments give her new opportunities to interact with the world around her. Now, she is interested in her surroundings and can turn and move to see and hear things. She can control her arms and hands to bring objects close to her face, and put them in her mouth. She is able to hold and shake objects like a bottle or toy rattle. She enjoys laughing and vocalizing; and makes cooing sounds when someone talks to her. Even when she is alone, you will hear her practicing making sounds and listening to herself.
During the 5th and 6th month, your baby can hold a variety of different postures, changes from one sleeping position to another, and can sit for short periods with support. Hand-eye coordination has improved , so she can switch objects from one hand to the other.
Appropriate Toys from Birth to 6 Month Olds
Visual Stimulation:
- Colorful toys to stimulate focus and vision
- Mobiles hung above the crib, activity toys that are fastened to the crib
Auditory Stimulation:
- Toys that make sounds such as a music box or rattle
Motor Stimulation:
- Toys for holding that are easy to grasp and lightweight
- Toys that can be suspended above the baby for batting, grabbing and kicking
Intellectual Stimulation:
- Picture books, music, and soft hand puppets (held and moved by adults)
- Unbreakable safety mirrors fastened to the crib or playpen
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