Kaia is at that age where she is curious about everything. She investigates, she analyzes, she turns things over and over in her hands and just about everything she touches goes in her mouth. She hardly ever stays with one toy for more than a few minutes before she moves on to see what the next one is all about. She loves toys that have multiple parts, toys that make noise when she manipulates them and toys that she can chew on. It is hard not to get overwhelmed with all of the choices out there, especially when you haven’t tried them out yet. (I know I have bought my fair share of duds because I was fooled by cuteness!) It is important when choosing toys for your little one to consider function and real world use instead of being sucked in by cute designs and on package claims.
To keep curious babies engaged opt for toys that they can explore like Nuby’s Flip Flop Teether Book. (Get it here.) This brightly colored soft book has lots of little extras for her to grab, chew on and inspect. It’s great for travel and when you need to step away for a few minutes.
Crinkly edges, a variety of textures and soft pliable parts are all great features for stimulating a baby’s curiosity and need to have things in their mouth. Kaia LOVES things that crinkle! Hard textured parts like rings or tabs are also excellent teething tools for sore gums.
Another important thing to look for when selecting baby toys is care instructions. Is it easy to clean? Do you have to take it apart just to get spit up out of the cracks or can you wipe it clean? Are there little pieces that you won’t be able to get to? I know with soft toys I would much rather prefer to be able to wipe them clean instead of using the washing machine and having the possibility of mold because it doesn’t dry properly.
