The Chicco Baby Research Center analyses the role that playing has in the growth of babies. Discover the most suitable toys for the healthy development of your child at any age.
The importance of children’s games
From the very first months of life, playing helps to create a relationship between you and your baby who begins to discover the world around them. The child’s developmental process is strongly influenced by the stimuli and input from the surrounding environment. Having fun with parents is also important because it allows a baby to learn by imitating their actions, with useful effects on motor development as well as on self-awareness and self-esteem.
The baby’s interaction in the early months of life
Newborn babies are attracted by their mother’s face and bright colours. At 2 months, they understand the relationship between movement and noise while at 3 months they grab and move objects. At 5 months, they already have a transitional object which offers them security and comfort. At 6-7 months, they then begin to understand that objects exist even if they can’t be seen. At 9 months, they are able to grab, touch and “taste” everything they see. There are different types of baby toys on the market, each focusing on a specific aspect of your child’s development and therefore suitable for your child’s age.
Baby toys, ideas suitable for all ages
There are so many activities to choose from that it can be hard to pick for your baby. From 3 months, babies can play with fabrics and shiny cards which can be crumpled or torn, with hot or cold materials, or noisy rattles. From 5-6 months of age, you can offer babies their first plush toy and multisensory toys. Meanwhile, toys for strollers are a healthy distraction when taking your baby for a walk.
Games for growing children: movement…and more
From around 2 years old, children will begin learning activities such as running, jumping, throwing, and learning to stay balanced. Movement improves motor skills, hones coordination and favours balance. The activities are endless: hiding, kicking a ball, jumping on one foot, and aiming for pins.
Chicco offer a wide range of toys for all ages targeting different developmental stages. The ranges include First Dreams, Baby Senses, Move & Grow, Smart2Play, and Fit & Fun. Have a look in store or online to find what is most suitable for your little one.
