I love to walk around toy stores and look at the colorful items on display. Parents are very lucky these days with the vast choice of toys available, including educational baby toys. These toys are very important for the baby's development, and to keep them entertained, giving parents a well earned break. Psychologists have studied how babies develop and now know how toys can play a part in forming language and motor skills. Babies learn thru play.



Babies like bright colors, lights, movement and loud noises. It's never too early to stimulate their senses. Mobiles above the cot are a good idea as they stop baby from being bored. Some people put black and white mobiles up for the first few months, as it takes a while for baby to distinguish color shades. Cot mirrors are another good idea, as baby toys that fascinate will be appreciated and baby will never be lonely.

Appealing to all the senses is important and babies like to touch everything around them. Make sure all baby toys are made to a high standard, as all baby will want to do is put them in their mouths. Rattlers are good fun, they make a noise and baby can hold them. Teethers are good too as baby can chew them when teething. Soft toys are always a favorite. They give a tactile experience and are very comforting. Babies can become very attached to their favorite teddy bear.

Activity Centers are great fun. My kids had one that had a mirror, flashing lights and it made all sorts of different noises. It was worth its weight in gold because it kept them entertained for hours, and was one of the best baby toys we ever bought. There's always some kind friend who buys them a drum to bang on!

Soft balls, rings and cubes are also available, which help baby to explore shape and texture. Parents can put on a show with finger and hand puppets. Soft animals too can encourage babies to bond with the animal world, like frogs, rabbits and hedgehogs. Some baby toys combine animals with the noise they make, such as the bark of a dog. Other soft toys play a tune.

Bath time is a lovely activity for baby and parent. Here, more fun can be added with baby toys. There is the classic duck, which you can't really surpass. There are also little boats and fishing nets.

As baby gets older, it's a good idea to encourage them further with a set of building bricks, and toys that can be pushed and pulled. A baby walker with bricks in will encourage baby to want to stand and push it along. Baby toys are great fun and might stop Dad from buying them a train set until they're a bit older.