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Appropriate Toys For Your Child.

Before you buy a pile of new expensive toys for your baby, it may help to know what is the most appropriate play equipment for each age group.

Newborn

Newborns are alert and will look up to study peoples' faces. However, because they are unable to focus more than 25 cm away, it is pointless to wave a toy further than that. Toys, at this stage, are not necessary as newborns take delight in studying and imitating people's facial expressions. Take time to 'talk' to your baby by touching his nose, cheeks and pulling his fingers and toes open.

2-4 Months

Babies of this age are beginning to uncurl their fingers and develop hand regard i.e. the ability to control their fingers. However, they are still unable to grasp an object for long, so there is no point getting large toys. These babies explore objects by putting them into their mouths so toys must be safe, with no detachable parts and lead-free paint. Mobiles hung with brightly coloured and high contrast objects appeal to small babies. Hang different everyday objects for him to watch. Rolled balls of foil, coloured circles of card or beads and buttons strung on a length of wool all hold their attention. You can prop him up to sit and sing to him. He will enjoy being in the same room as you and watching you.

4-6 Months

Your baby is able to hold his head up at this stage, and gradually progresses to hold toys and sit up by himself. He will develop a pencil grip, meaning he can hold a pencil with all fingers wrapped around it in his fist. Containers with secure lids that have been filled with dried beans or paper clips work well as rattles. Fill a small transparent plastic bottle with coloured water, gluing the lid on, for him to shake. Beanbags, which can be made easily at home, are good for him to grab and suck. Nursery rhymes and finger games will help to improve his listening skills while any variation of peek-a-boo will entertain him.

6-9 Months

Your baby will now be able to sit up by himself and may be starting to move around the room by rolling or even the beginnings of crawling. He will now enjoy stacking and nesting toys and anything that makes a lot of noise. A pile of pots, pans and wooden spoons can provide a lot of entertainment. Finger games such as peek-a-boo and pat a cake will thrill him.

9-12 Months

Children of this age group love to explore and their improved locomotion means they begin to explore the world around them. Big a heeled toys, balls and balloons all encourage your child to move around. He will enjoy toys with a cause and effect; toys that squeak when squeezed or pushing buttons to make things happen. He will enjoy playing with building blocks, building towers then knocking them down. This is the time to introduce him to a safety mirror so he can develop a sense of self. Your baby will try to bounce when you hold his hands, so playing standing and bouncing games are great at this stage.

12-15 Months

Your baby starts to take unsteady steps and when standing, will attempt to step. He may try cruising, that is walking sideways while holding on to something. At this stage, he is able to creep up and down the stairs. A stable-standing toy like a push-along trolley will help improve his stepping skill. Prams and wheelbarrows are also good toys for this age group. He can begin playing with simple jigsaws and basic pull-apart toys. While your baby is cruising around, sit little distance away from him and| call him to you. Hold out your arms to catch him as he moves towards you.

15-18 Months

Your toddler rarely loses balance now and as his balance and coordination improves, he'll progress to walking and running. He is able to turn the pages of books and can feed himself with a spoon and drink from a cup without spilling. Everyday tasks such as doing up a zipper or screwing on a lid will fascinate your toddler, so select toys that allow him to mimic such actions, enjoy finger painting and scribbling on paper at this stage, although his pictures won't resemble anything you can recognise. Let him just enjoy experimenting with colour.

18-36 Months

You'll notice a vast transformation in your child over the next 18 months. By the age of 2, your child will be able to cope with a few dressing skills such as doing up his zipper and press-studs. His creativity blossoms and you will notice him making more complicated building-block houses and more recognisable drawings. Interlocking building blocks will appeal to your toddler. They will also improve his hand movements. Jigsaw puzzles and threading large beads on a string will also make good toys. He will enjoy drawing with crayons, painting with his hands and playing with sand and water. He will enjoy activities that develop his imagination like dressing up outfits, dollhouses and construction sets. He will want to play games that copy activities Mum & Dad do like playing with tools or cooking in a kitchen. A tape recorder and story tapes are very good for developing his listening skills at this age. He will need a lot of your attention and you may find him resorting to tantrums if he doesn't get it. You may find it helpful to take him to a regular playgroup to allow him interaction with other children and develop his social skills.