During their first year, babies will develop rapidly according to a wide range of developmental milestones. The amount of change that happens in baby’s first year is breathtaking.
When choosing a gift for a baby up to 12 months, we recommend items that will engage their senses. Look for products with bright and contrasting colours, toys that make sounds such as squeaking, crinkling or musical and items that are soft or textured. For more practical gifts for newborns rattles, comforters and teething rings are ideal.
Suggested gifts:
Musical mobiles
- Musical mobiles encourage visual development, build fine motor skills, and nurture your baby’s brain development. The musical sounds can soothe and lull your baby helping them to relax when going to sleep. Musical mobiles are also a lovely, aesthetic addition to any nursery.
Rattles
- Between the age of two to three months, babies will start to discover their hands. Rattles are an ideal item for gross motor skill development as babies learn to hold, grasp, and shake things. Rattles are also good for developing hand eye coordination in your baby and the different sounds that rattles create can help engage a baby’s curiosity.
To see our full range of baby rattles – click here.
Squeaker and crinkle toys
- During their first year, babies will discover quite quickly that they can make sounds. Toys that squeak or make crinkly sounds are good because they produce a sound with very little effort. Try to choose a toy that is small enough for your baby to grasp and hold by themselves.
To see our full range of squeaky and crinkly toys – click here.
Comforters
- Comforters provide a sense of safety and security for babies, especially during times of separation. Their comforting smell and soft textures, help to soothe anxieties and provide a sense of familiarity and will quite often become an item your baby will attach themselves to.
To see all baby comforters please click here.
Soft and stuffed animals
- Soft toys are not only cute and cuddly, but they also have many benefits for children. When babies experience anxiety, these items can offer a sense of safety and security with their soft, plush textures and familiar smell. As children get older, they also encourage ‘pretend play’ and help manage and express emotions.
To see all our soft toys please click here.
Teething toys
- Teething can be a difficult time for both baby and parent alike, so a great practical gift for 6 months + are teethers. Teethers can help soothe sore gums and provide comfort to your baby. We suggest choosing a teether that is made from natural rubber and contains no PVC, BPA, or phthalates.
To see all our teething toys please click here.