Top Toys to Stimulate Baby’s Brain Development {A local expert weighs in!}

1
Scottsdale experts
 We at SMB are excited to announce a new little feature we’re adding to the blog!  In addition to our regular lineup of awesome Scottsdale Mom Contributors, we will be adding a monthly post by a LOCAL expert! We’ll cover all topics from discipline to reading-readiness to car-seats & sippy cups!   Meet this month’s guest contributor: Baby Gear Guru, Sarah Turney. (learn more about Sarah at the bottom of this post!)

Alright mom, you probably already know it, but just as a reminder:

The first few years of your child’s life are crucial to long-term cognitive development.

Best toys.jpg

Behind those gummy smiles, chubby bellys, and baby giggles,  trillions of weak connections are being created in a baby’s little brain and those connections are at risk of withering away if not exercised through stimulation. Countless studies have proven that a variety of actions and interactions stimulate the infant brain. Basic human interactions like playing, feeding, changing, hugs and kisses are the most important!  However, there are also some great toys on the market that can aid in this cognitive development too!

Here are a few of my personal favorites:

manhattan-toy-whoozit

 

Whoosit by Manhattan Toy

Seen attached to countless strollers and car seats, the Whoosit is a staple in the baby world. This adorable character is safe for newborn and will provide your baby hours of entertainment while helping build his or her brain. This toy is engineered towards two ages; newborn and 3-4 months & up (but this toy will most likely be with you much longer.) The Whoosit features one black and white side to catch the newborn’s attention and one with colors, shapes, a squeaker, and mirror for a few months later.

images

Shangrila Activity Mat by Kushies

A play mat is an essential item to stimulate your baby’s growth since they create an area for “tummy time.” Some play mats are designed to look whimsical, but every inch of the Shangrila is specifically made to stimulate baby’s brain. The mat is also designed to grow with your little one as one side is black and white and the other is color. The funky, random patterns aren’t for looks but rather for function and the mat features fun pops of play, which are sure to engage your little one’s brain while they just think it’s just play time.

hape-maple-blocks-lbox-1

Maple Blocks by Hape Toys

Good, old-fashioned blocks are still an invaluable tool in the quest for early success with your infant. Playing with blocks early on has even been related to better math scores in high school (Wolfgang et al 2001).  Any set of blocks that feature a non-toxic finish will do, but Hape Toy’s Maple Blocks are safe, adorable and the bright colors will help catch and keep your little one’s attention. Blocks come in a variety of shapes and sizes suitable for all ages so look for a few sets for each stage of development.

imgres

Skwish Classic by Manhattan Toy

Manhattan Toy is notorious for producing toys that stimulate cognitive development while using non-toxic materials. Starting at 3 months, the Skwish is one of the first toys your baby can easily learn to grip. The crisscross design of the strings makes it almost impossible for your baby to not grip this toy when they shove their pudgy little hand inside of this bright contraption. The contraction and expansion of the toy along with the moving of the wooden beads can help your new baby understand cause and effect as they control the toy.

A quick word on color:

Babies can see at birth, just not as well as older children so stark images in colors combinations of black, white, and red can stimulate the baby. On the other hand, pastel colors tend to blend all together and do little to nothing to stimulate the optic nerve or the brain.

Pick up or register for a few of these highly-rated toys to add some color and stimulation to your little love’s life. Also, if there’s a toy your baby just loves, please share in the comments!

***Wolfgang, Charles H.; Stannard, Laura L.; & Jones, Ithel. (2001). Block play performance among preschoolers as a predictor of later school achievement in mathematics. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 15(2), 173-180

 

Sarah Turney

Sarah Turney was born and raised in Phoenix, graduated at the top of her class from Arizona State University with her degree in English. She is a former nanny of several years and then ventured into children’s retail. She has vast experience will all things baby gear including car seats, strollers, breast pumps, bottles and everything else needed for a growing family. Sarah is active on twitter and her blog, Baby Gear Geek and is currently in the process of developing her own maternity concierge service.

 

 

 

 

1 COMMENT

  1. My son will have his first child soon(6 weeks) and we have been told there is fluid on the brain and there will be developmental delays at the very least.
    Where can i get the best toys for a developmentally delayed baby?

Comments are closed.