Baby's early toys

It's playtime! Play is important to achieving healthy growth and development in babies and children. As they grow up they have different interests and abilities, so here are a few tips on choosing a toy for your child - or a child you know - whatever their age.

At this age, everything is a “first”. Toys can help you to encourage and communicate with your baby – despite the fact that they may not give much in return! A newborn’s senses are developing fast, so bright colours and sensory toys which will encourage your baby to discover different textures are perfect choices.

Activity gyms include something for all their senses and help baby to develop their strength and motor skills.

They've just celebrated their first birthday and are now beginning to stand up and show just how inquisitive they are! A shape sorter is perfect at this stage, encouraging them to explore and recognise different shapes. When they're a bit steadier our walker will be ideal. It will help support them and it comes with building blocks so they can start to create simple towers.

Soft toys are also great at this time as you can create characters and stories, helping baby to develop their imagination, as well as them being just for comfort, cuddles or chewing.

Now they’re moving around and delving into everything! Their co-ordination is getting better all the time, so help refine it with colourful building blocks.

Lego Duplo is perfect as it includes large assorted pieces which small hands can easily hold while being creative.

By now, your little one probably has lots of friends, so it’s a great time to mix playing alone with sharing. This way they’ll develop independence and persistence and they’ll also start to acquire social skills and co-operation.

Games such as Playmobil can be played alone or with friends, allowing them to invent characters and stories as they play.

They’re chatting away, gaining new interests, asking endless questions and running around. Embrace their enthusiasm for learning by regularly reading together and introduce them to crafts for some creative fun.

Nursery advice service

Buying for baby? Our experienced Nursery Partners are here to guide you through your journey into parenthood. Offering impartial, expert advice, we’ll help you to create a newborn checklist and answer any questions you have.