Milestone Boosting Toys

By Jessica Hartshorn
April 29, 2010
Credit: Bryan McCay
A baby masters many skills in his first 18 months. Check out these fun toys that can help him practice and develop motor skills while he plays.
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Tracking

Credit: Bryan McCay

By the time she's a few weeks old, your infant can use her eyes to follow an object as it moves.

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Studying Faces

Credit: Bryan McCay

A baby may be fascinated by her face in the mirror, even if she doesn't yet know who exactly that cutie is!

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Reaching and Rolling

Credit: Bryan McCay

By 3 months, infants love kicking and grabbing at toys overhead. Later, this mat will be a safe place to roll.

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Getting a Grip

Credit: Lara Robby

After about 4 months, your baby can hold what he wants long enough to inspect it.

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Lifting Her Head Up

Credit: Bryan McCay

Throughout the first six months, your baby benefits from daily time playing on her tummy, which helps build back and neck muscles.

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Sitting Pretty

Credit: Lara Robby

Once a baby can hold her head steady, she'll love a seat that lets her sit up while playing.

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Holding & Releasing

Credit: Bryan McCay

In the second half of his first year, your baby will get more deliberate with his toys: grasping them longer, passing them hand-to-hand, and putting them into containers.

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Crawling

Credit: Bryan McCay

Some babies love to crawl and others need a little more motivation, like a toy that moves just out of reach.

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Stacking

Credit: Bryan McCay

It's surprisingly hard to pile traditional blocks on top of one another; most babies can't do it until they're more than a year old. Blocks with ridges make the balancing act easier. Early Years Stacking Cubes; $23; earlyyears.com

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A Stand-Up Routine

Credit: Lara Robby

Babies find it easier (and more interesting) to get on their own two feet if they have a short, fun toy to lean on. Leapfrog Learn & Groove Musical Table; 45; leapfrog.com

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Walking While Supported

Credit: Bryan McCay

Somewhere around her first birthday, your baby may be ready to take a few steps. Holding on to a toy that rolls gives her some much-needed support. Radio Flyer Push, Pull & Ride; $50; radioflyer.com

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Walking on His Own

Credit: Bryan McCay

He's off and running! Encourage your baby to get around with a toy that's fun to push or pull along with him. Schylling Color Roller; $25; schilling.com

Originally published in the May 2010 issue of American Baby magazine.

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