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Baby Toys That Teach

We've rounded up some adorable playthings that will help your little one develop motor and cognitive skills at every stage.

By Lenora Jane Estes

  • Me in the Mirror

    Hello, beautiful! Colorful ribbons, rings, and toys will draw your little one's gaze to the star attraction -- herself. Bug characters offer additional visual stimulation in this eye-catching toy mirror.

    For children: 0-3 months
    Available at: target.com, $15

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  • Mind-Shapes

    These vibrant, high-contrast toys encourage children to look, touch, and listen. Each shape -- pyramid, cube, and sphere -- has a noisemaker and an assortment of graphics and textures.

    For children: 0-3 months
    Available at: manhattantoy.com, $22

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  • Jacques the Peacock

    Thanks to its bright feathers, squeaker, rattle, and mirror, this birdie is sure to be your baby's best friend. The plush plaything from Lamaze also comes with a link that attaches to strollers, carriers, and diaper bags for fun on the go.

    For children: 0-3 months
    Available at: toysrus.com, $13

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  • Lil Lion's Happy Hangout

    It's a jungle in this Infantino activity gym. Press the peekaboo mirror to kick off music and sounds from the wild. Plus: The mix of textures and dangling toys helps stimulate your baby's senses.

    For children: 3-6 months
    Available at: target.com, $35

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  • Welcome, Little One

    This interactive book by Sandra Magsamen offers touch-and-feels, pull tabs, lift-the-flaps, a musical sound chip, and pop-ups to help illustrate the special moments when baby arrives. She won't be able to keep her little hands off of it!

    For children: 3-6 months
    Available at: bn.com, $13

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  • ExerSaucer Mega Farmyard

    Let your little farmhand rock, spin, and bounce in EvenFlo's stationary activity center. A variety of toys helps develop motor skills and self-awareness. The folding legs and convenient handle also make it portable.

    For children: 6-9 months
    Available at: target.com, $60

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  • Color Tower Stacking Game

    We're over the rainbow for these seven colorful, stackable wooden pieces from Haba. It may seem simple, but your baby will learn a lot from sorting by shape and color.

    For children: 6-9 months
    Available at: oompa.com, $25

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  • Counting Maracas

    Your future rock star will want to shake, shake, shake for hours with these electronic maracas. Through sounds and lights, the musical toy will teach counting and colors in English and Spanish.

    For children: 9-12 months
    Available at: leapfrog.com, $15

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  • PlanToys Baby Walker

    Vroom, vroom! You'll have a tough time keeping up when your tot starts pushing this pretend car around. Added bonus: After finding a good parking spot, he can build with the 24 wooden blocks.

    For children: 9-12 months
    Available at: amazon.com, $64

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  • Sealife Gerties

    Life's a ball with these totally cute sea creatures. Our favorite is the clownfish-shape ball that will offer hours and hours of fun as your little one grows into an active preschooler.

    For children: 9-12 months
    Available at: smallworldtoys.com, $6

    Copyright © 2009 Meredith Corporation.

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