Fun and games (birth to 2)

You’re probably going to be swamped by toys in your child’s first year. Parents want the best for their baby – something educational and safe. So, what’s a good toy for a baby?

Don’t waste money on over-hyped educational toys. Babies like to do simple things such as bouncing, swinging, reaching for things (like your ears and hair) and bashing things together. Anything bright, colourful, noisy and musical will do. You’ll soon get to know what your baby’s favourite toys are.

Your main concern with children under the age of three should be safety. Teething children actually need to put things in their mouths. Be careful to keep older children’s toys away from your child.

• Toys made of material should be labelled as flame-resistant or flame-retardant.
• Stuffed toys should be washable.
• If you can’t repair a broken toy to make it safe, throw it away (no matter how many tears are shed!).
• Keep toys clean – kids put them in their mouths.
• Make sure that loud toys are not deafening when held against the ear.
• Hand-me-downs from your parents are probably not safe.

•  Play mats (some of which are musical) are good all round the home, and can provide a familiar environment if a child is not at home.
•  Toys that attach to carry-cots are useful for car journeys – again, they’re something familiar in strange places.

At 3 to 6 months, a baby will be able to lift their head, roll over and pick things up. Toys with different textures, shapes and different colours on each side are good, as are board books.

At 6 to 9 months, a baby might be crawling, so motorised toys can encourage activity.

At 9 to 12 months, babies are starting to solve problems, and music and noise are particularly important.

At 12 to 18 months, a baby will start to imitate you. Buy them a toy phone unless you want the emergency services at your door! Buy them toys they can ride on, electronic toys, outdoor toys and toys they can create and build with.

At 18 to 24 months, DVDs can be useful as educational tools, as can shared-activity toys, such as tea sets.