Every day we are making deposits into the memory bank of our baby’s lives, from our smile through to the baby gifts that we give to amuse, educate and stimulate.  However, are there disadvantages to toys which are simply used for pleasure and advantages to those which have an educational slant?

No baby should be without a rattle or a teddy, but a baby’s brain is like a sponge which is constantly soaking up knowledge.  Whilst teddy bears make wonderful presents for a girl, when the paws are chewed and the eye is hanging, there is very little left in the form of educational value to stimulate the senses.

Educational baby toys do not have to be serious and rigid.  Learning should be fun.  Make the most out of these early years and shape your baby’s future from the moment he/she arrives home.

Until a child reaches six months, their vision will be fuzzy, hearing weak and grip feeble.  Brightly coloured building blocks make great educational toys as they help young eyes to differentiate between shades and encourage sharper vision and visual intelligence.  They also help refine motor skills.

Help your little one to respond to sound by hanging crib mobiles above the cot.  These make perfect newborn baby gifts.  Play hammers go down well; especially if they make a squeaking sound every time that they hit something.  Toys such as these will intrigue young minds.

However, there will always be one favourite toy which money cannot buy, and that is you.  Bring out your best and worst facial expressions, play peek a boo or just do a silly walk or dance and your baby will be chuckling for hours!