By the time a baby reaches the 3 to 6 month stage, some truly amazing development has occurred. Your little one now has begun to understand her hands; she can make a fist, uncurl it, and begin to grab things. At this age, she will be able to grab things for the sole purpose of putting them in her mouth! It should go without saying that you should never give your 3 to 6 month old infant a toy if it is not safe to be placed into his mouth.

At this stage, infants also are daily becoming more and more aware of their environment. They are also more able to respond to you and to their toys. Some of the best toys for this stage may include more interactive toys and toys that will allow your infant to explore his boundaries.

If you haven’t already begun to read to your infant, now is the time to start exposing your infant to books. Soft books can fascinate your baby, and will help reinforce family reading habits. In addition, your baby may even begin at this stage to make the connection between words and sounds.

If you are breastfeeding, a nursing necklace makes an excellent toy for your infant during this time. It will give your baby something to grab onto to keep you from being hurt! These useful toys also help your baby with visual and touch stimulation that will help her cognitive development.

When your infant begins teething, which will often occur at this stage, a teething ring or a rattle can be an excellent toy. Many parents place these items in the refrigerator when they are not being used, as the cooler temperature will help soothe their mouth as they teethe.

Now that your infant can grab, he can also squeeze. Toys that make noise when squeezed, or that move when squeezed, can help her to understand that her actions can produce specific results. In addition, rattles or other toys that make noise can be a source of great enjoyment, and may be able to help with teething.

Activity or Play centers are also excellent toys for infants 3-6 months old. These stands that hold dangling toys that your baby can grab at and look at can sometimes keep her interested for yours. These are especially useful before your baby can sit up. Similar items can be placed on a carseat, stroller, or infant seat.

Your infant is ready for soft stuffed animals at this point. You will want to avoid anything with wires inside that could break through the fabric and injure your child for safety reasons.

Posted in Baby and Toddler

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