Educational Toys

Robyn - posted on 10/02/2009

music, something she can lie under with different things dangling from it. remember that eyesight at this age is still developing and most children cannot focus further than 3-5 feet away. I am not a fan of video's of TV for children of any age. As an early childhood teacher I have seen the effect on children's ability to develop eye tracking due to too much tv or video watching. However a short time is OK. I don't know what the weather is like where you are but lying her down where she can experience changes of light through a tree above.

The best toy is of coarse you and your voice and face. A child is never too young to read to. Large picture books that you can go through. I also made a small photo book of pictures of family members and pets to read.

Also anything she can move from hand to mouth that is safe. Getting this co-ordination working is a first major step for all infants.

Don't forget some supervised tummy time as that helps to develop the neck, back and leg muscles as well as a different view on life. I can't image what it would be like to lie on your back all day and stare at the ceiling. lol.

Cathy - posted on 10/01/2009

Leapfrog anything!!!! Videos, toys, etc. You can look at second hand shops for their videos! Cragislist and Ebay are good options too! Just search for Leapfrog! :) Good luck! :)

Tania - posted on 10/01/2009

Kayte, thanks for your great advice. In my heart of hearts, I always thought that was and is the best way to teach a child. Sometimes uncertainty creeps in and occasionally confronts me with the question 'am I doing this right?' Motherhood...chaotic bliss!

Kayte - posted on 09/26/2009

As soon as I saw this topic, I thought of the Leap Frog toys. They are a bit pricey (in my cheap opinion!) but the ones we have have lasted the abuse of two children. They incorporate phonics in many of their toys. I also really like the video "The Letter Factory" for a toddler. Not all the Leap Frog vidoes are as great but this one is very well done. I taught K for a few years and if I ever do, I would suggest this to my students who don't already know the letters and sounds. It's a GREAT teaching tool.



Really, the best thing you can do to help begin your little ones education is PLAY with her. Go outside and gather different objects for her to feel and explore: leaves, rocks, sticks, flowers, etc. She'll probably want to taste them too so be watchful! ;) No toy can replace interaction with mommy.

Tania - posted on 09/26/2009

Great suggestions, thank you.

Sharon - posted on 09/26/2009

Hit the genius baby center with the baby in tow, and let her choose her own toys!

Sara - posted on 09/25/2009

I liked just about all the leapfrog toys when my children were that age.My two youngest 2 1/2 and almost 5 still play with leapfrog toys/games they are educational and fun.Leapfrog has so many toys and many new ones since I bought for that age.But I do have the caterpillars that teach the ABCs and 123's,toy train that comes apart in 5 sections and teaches counting and stacking,a guitar,etc..I have so much Leapfrog!!.Just go to a store and look at all they have and you will find great toys.You can also go to the website and sign up for specials,you can get really good sales that way too,especially with the holidays they had great specials last year.