A newborn baby?
There cannot be any toys for them.
I have often heard this comment from people. What can a newborn do? Nothing. They just eat and sleep. The couldn't be more wrong!
Newborn babies are just waiting to experience the world. Yes, they can’t see much yet, hold anything or talk. So, what is the answer? Think of the senses they are born with and can use right away, like hearing, seeing and touch.
One of my favourite toy lines for a newborn is from Manhattan Toy. The toys (Wimmer-Ferguson) are based on solid research on what a young baby can see and likes to look at.
Newborns are attracted to high contrast patterns with black and white. I was able to see this first-hand with my granddaughter, Madelyn, who loved looking at the Baby Whoozit ($12.99) with its black and white pattern. She may not have been awake for long periods of time, yet she was able to get some visual stimulation and even give her parents a few minutes to themselves.
At about three months of age, baby will notice the Whoozit has several arms, each with a different texture, and enjoy the stimulation that comes from touching these.
The Nursery Novel ($15.99), also by Manhattan Toy, is another good example of a toy for a newborn. It has lots of black and white patterns along with some bold colours. It can be stretched out flat or turned into a book. There are pages with crinkle and peek-a-boo pieces. Crinkle is a very satisfying touch sensation for a newborn. Not only does the baby enjoy manipulating it, they love the sound it makes.
Reversible Wrist Rattles ($9.99) are another option for visual stimulation. They go on the baby’s wrists and have the bold black and white patterns. They are a good option for use when the baby is in the car seat.
Last, is the Double-Feature Mirror ($29.99). It has the bold graphic patterns on one side which is good for use from birth. At about three months of age you turn it over and there is a child safe mirror. Babies love looking at faces, especially their own.
So the next time you hear someone say a newborn does not need any toys, think of these products.
Ann Randall is the owner of The Toy Corner in Sarnia ON, a member of Neighbourhood Toy Stores of Canada (NETS). She is a retired pediatric nurse, the mother of two sons, one granddaughter and another soon-to-be grandchild. Ann loves interacting with all the children, parents and grandparents who come into her store.
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