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The Joys of Toys

From the moment we hear those joyful words It's a boy! or It's a girl!, we start thinking about buying baby gifts and clothes. And even though the child has no comprehension of this, we start to fill her tiny environment with colours and shapes. In fact there is an astonishing variety of soft, safe toys available to fill every available space in the newborn's pram, cot or bath.

The earliest toys we give are usually soft, knitted animals, baby rattles or colourful mobiles. Within months, as the baby's sense of touch and hearing develop, we look for textured toys, activity mats with lots of different surfaces and sounds and pretty musical lanterns to soothe her to sleep.

All childrens clothing stores sell early years' toys and bath toys are especial favourites. Like all babies, she will love bath time and delight in toys that float, splash or squirt. Look carefully and you can find colour-changing ducks which will become firm favourites with the entire family!

By her first birthday, it will seem that all toys have an educational claim. Stacking cups, building blocks and pull or push-along toys are loved by babies of this age. She can't wait to get up and walk and a stroller filled with colourful blocks will give her hours of fun as well as teaching her balance and help her develop fine motor skills.

Before long she'll want to choose her clothes and dress herself and this is when she will become fascinated with dolls. Those that can be dressed and undressed are useful teaching devices.

Safety was always a worry with toys for young children, but these days toys have to pass quite rigorous safety checks. As long as you buy from a reputable dealer and ensure the toy carries the appropriate safety kite and is suitable for the age of the child you can enjoy peace of mind, and sit back and watch the child's face light up with joy at your gift.

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