Guide to Buying Baby Toys (0-12 months) This guide is designed to help parents make toy choices and to assist friends in buying the most appropriate toy for your baby. It is organised by baby age as this provides the best overall guide. Remember also to use the age guide on the toy description and to ensure that the toy is from an established manufacturer who has designed to the latest EU safety regulations. For hygienic reasons toys which will be handled need to be washable.

0-1month The newborn has limited senses and toys which provide stimulation can be useful. Baby has very limited vision so toys with strong contrasting colours and movement are suitable. Cot mobiles provide stimulation and brighten up the room. A simple activity gym on a floor mat also provides stimulation. Rattles are always appreciated by baby.

1-3 months Baby is now developing rapidly and will be starting to lift his/her head and finding the world looks different! Playmats/activity gyms provide reaching shapes which baby can start to "punch". Rattles attached to foot socks are also great for a good kick on the mat. These types of toys encourage the development of motor skills and hand to eye coordination. The use of texture is important and toys with multiple materials and sounds are appreciated by baby.

3-6 months This is an exciting time as baby becomes more interested in the environment and his/her mouth! Baby will like to pick up small toys (but not so small that they could be swallowed) and turn them over in his hand – before having a good chew!

Toys with sound will intrigue baby but remember that you will need to live with the tune! Designs which incorporate a number of different parts or sections, like stacking blocks, provide stimulation. Baby can be introduced to books – maybe books with animals which will give the Grandparents an opportunity to practice their farmyard sounds …or maybe not!

6-9 months Baby may be sitting up by now and trying to crawl so toys which encourage crawling are good. These are toys which can roll such as wooden balls or soft balls with textures. This is a good time to introduce books with nursery rhymes and hand movement, maybe with a CD to help with the singing!

9-12 months Baby is on the move! Sitting and crawling is now second nature and furniture walking is fun - if a little unstable. A 4 wheel trolley with a handle will encourage mobility. Baby is starting to become independent and exercise choice of play toys. Choosing a particular toy from the box is part of development. Manual dexterity is important so a toy which may be picked up and then opened or separated is fun. Baby will now enjoy musical toys and may have a special toy (make sure you have a backup special toy in case of loss).

It should be noted that cuddly toys are more suited for older children.