TOYS FOR BABIES 4-6 MONTHS
• Somewhere between month three and four your baby will discover how amazing her own hands are when they aren’t bunched up into little fists anymore. She can suck her fingers and use them to hold a toy that is placed in her hands. She can even begin to reach out to toys.
• She will also learn how to transfer a toy from one hand to the other and how to turn it over to investigate it from all angles, just before it goes to the mouth.
• Make sure that your baby’s toys are safe and non-toxic. Never give her a toy that is tied to her cot with an elastic or a cord – she could easily get entangled and choke.
Playgym: This is one of the best investments you could make, because the toys that hang from the bar can be exchanged for more interesting toys as your baby grows, to keep her entertained. Playgyms are great for babies who still lie most of the time. Baby can reach out and bat at the toys, or pull on them.
Rattles and mobiles: Babies love making a noise. Provide her with rattles that make different noises. Play music and encourage her to shake it to the rhythm of the music.
Activity bars: These bars are made to be loaded with interesting click-on toys, so your baby has something interesting or musical to keep her busy in her pram, car seat or bed.
Soft toys: At this age your baby can become quite attached to a favourite teddy. Be mindful of plastic eyes or parts that could come loose and pose a choking hazard. Also remove little bells, buttons, ribbons or strings that could come loose in her mouth.
Playmats: These colourful mats are very useful as you can take them along everywhere. This way baby has a familiar place to play in even in an unfamiliar environment. Many playmats come with a bough for toys, turning it into a mini-gym. Teething rings: Few things are as satisfying for your baby to play with as a cooled teething ring.
Books: It is never too early to start reading to your baby. When your child listens to your voice, she is busy with language development. Make story time interesting by using different accents, tones and voices. Be dramatic and pull faces! Noisy rubber toys: Anything your baby can grab that can make a noise will be very popular from about six months. These toys are also great for bath time.