Happy Spring time! We are now over a month into the quarantine, and I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy. Our household remains busy, as I'm sure it is for you, as we manage household responsibilities, kids, work, and homeschool. Despite everything that is happening with the world, I am enjoying this time with my kids, and I'm grateful I am still able to connect with you in some way. 

Over the years I have received many questions about infant toys- which ones are appropriate, educational, and/or beneficial to their growth and development. I thought it might be helpful to share my thoughts with you. When selecting toys keep these in mind:

1) Safety: 

An infant's main tool for exploration is their mouths. 

*Check for appropriate size: test toys through a cardboard toilet paper roll. If it fits through it, it's too small and could be a choking hazard. 

*Check for quality of material: any paint on them should be water or plant-based. Be weary of lead paint. 

*Check for durability: make sure the toys can withstand some rigorous play since infants usually play with their toys by shaking them, pounding them on the floor, throwing them, etc. 

2) Simple and open-ended: 

Infants can get overstimulated very quickly, and when this happens, they tend to turn away from play, cry, or get irritable. Choose toys that are simple and open-ended (meaning they can have multiple uses) and allow infants to direct their own play, become productive, lengthen their attention span, and stretch their imagination. Toys that have bright lights, make noise, move on its own, etc. don't have the same positive effects on a child's learning as say a simple wooden rattle. Our goal is to raise children who know how to entertain themselves, take charge of their learning, and lead their own play. Remember, active children and passive toys, not passive children and active toys. 

3) Toys made of natural materials such as wood, organic cotton, etc. have great benefits since they contain few or no toxins, are durable, and children are less at risk for allergies or sensitivities. If you are selecting plastic toys, make sure they don't have harmful chemicals such as BPA, PVC, phthalates, cadmium, or lead which are common in plastic toys. Also, check plastic toys frequently for any wear or tear since they can no longer be properly cleaned once this occurs.

To help you with your search, here are some infant toys that I really love and highly recommend. I've used them in my parent and baby classes, in my infant classrooms, and in my home for my children. I hope you love them as much as I do! Click on each image below to check them out.