Newborn toys - the importance of play

Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn.
O. Fred Donaldson

Happy and healthy children require love, good nutrition, laughter and care every day. But one element parents sometimes underestimate in the growth of their children, is the importance of play. So what are the best toys for newborns?

As crucial as it is to make sure your newborn and tiny tots are eating a balanced diet – it is just as important during the newborn stage and early development that they are getting adequate play.

Here at Little Snail, we understand the importance of helping your child to flourish and become the best version of themselves they can possibly be.

From soft toys to musical toys, mobiles to comforters – newborn baby toys are not only cute but also educational and are a lovely addition for brightening up your nursery.

We recommend a wide range of the best toys for newborns and activities all designed with growth and (of course) love in mind.

Just some of the natural benefits of ‘play time’ are learning to share, using their imaginations, interactive play, development of fine motor skills, problem-solving, communication abilities and expression of feelings.

Benefits of learning through play – newborn toys

Focus and eyesight for newborns

When babies are newborns they may have difficulty focusing and adjusting to the light. As the months pass, your child’s focus should continue to improve and it is important to remember that all children develop at their own speed. A fun way to track this is through the many newborn baby toys available. One example of one of the best toys for newborns is the Sous mon Baobab musical mobile.

Hanging mobiles can be a great focal point for your little one. And this brightly coloured mobile also comes with the added interest of a gentle melodic tune to help soothe your baby.

Hearing for newborns

One of the first things babies react to is sound such as voices and familiar noises around the home. When babies are tired, they tend to respond better to soothing sounds such as soft music. But when awake they tend to react better to high-pitch, short noises. There are many newborn baby toys that can be helpful in both of these situations.

Plush musical toys are perfect for your child to snuggle up to and be lulled away into sleepy land. This Pakou the musical toucan by Moulin Roty is made from beautiful plush velour in stunning purple colour. It features a musical box that will help your little one drift off into the night.

For daytime noises, everybody knows that you cannot look past the humble rattle. From birth, babies just love their toy rattles. The pleasing sound is a source of excitement for them and also teaches grasp, touch, ‘how to make things happen’ while also stimulating their senses.

Certainly not your ordinary rattle this adorable Il etait mouse ring rattle by Moulin Roty also comes with a small mouse toy with a squeaker, tinkling rattle in a pink star, mirror, ribbon tassels and metallic, crinkly star.

Comfort and security for newborns

Comforters, or ‘blankies’ as they are sometimes affectionately named, are such an important part of your newborn’s collection. These humble pieces so often go on to become one of their most valued and loved possessions. Comforters provide babies not only with sensory comfort, with their plush softness. But also a sense of security through smell and familiarity.

Here at Little Snail, we have a vast range of comforters from simple muslin squares through to multi-layered and textured items. They are all designed with relaxation and soothing in mind.

This Voyage d’Olga goose comforter by Moulin Roty will not only be an adorable addition to any nursery. It is also perfect for offering the coziness and sense of safety your baby craves. Comforters are definitely one of the best toys for newborns!

Sound and music – newborn toys

We sing lullabies to our babies for a reason and it’s because music is such a beautiful and powerful component of our lives. It can uplift, it can soothe, it can relax and it is nostalgic. Learning sound and music from a young age is very important in any child’s development. While reducing stress, learning music, rhythm and repetitive beats from a young age can also sometimes assist with counting, reading and learning later in life.

Whether it jingles, buzzes, chimes or bangs – there are countless newborn baby toys available to help your child embrace music. The Le Voyage d’Olga Musical Polar Bear from Moulin Roty, plays a beautiful soft lullaby which is sure to capture the heart of your little one. He also wears the distinctive textured and coloured fabric tags that are a feature of this beautiful range.

Throwing and catching

Learning to throw and catch are fundamental skills that every child should learn. Through ball play, children develop hand-eye coordination, build muscle strength and improve their flexibility and balance. While nobody expects their newborn to be David Beckham, it is still a good idea to have children playing with soft balls from a young age. This La Grande Famille soft ball from Moulin Roty is perfect for your newborn. It has a soft surface and is lightweight so can be easily caught, thrown and played with. It is decorated with delightful illustrations to provide visual stimulation as well.

Teething

When your little one starts going through teething it can be an exhausting, frustrating and emotional time for both parent and child alike. During this period of growth, a teether or teething ring can provide a big relief for sore little gums. There is a huge variety of teethers available. But if you are looking for an all-natural alternative, then this Vulli Sophie the giraffe teething ring, is ideal. Made from 100% natural rubber derived from the sap of the Hevea tree and painted with non-toxic food grade paints this is one of the safest teethers on the market. Sophie is also specifically designed to fit comfortably into tiny hands featuring two rings with a variety of textures to relieve baby at different stages of teething.

Building muscle strength through newborn toys

Tummy time is an important part of your babies’ growth as it helps to build neck and core strength as well as visual development. Safe objects such as books, newborn baby toys and (non-breakable) mirrors are a great way to keep tummy time engaging and fun for both the child and parent. The object you choose doesn’t have to be complicated – it just has to appeal to your baby. This Dans la Jungle fabric activity book is perfect for keeping your little one entertained. Featuring a furry chick, a metallic chameleon and a built-in mirror each page is beautifully crafted from different textiles to enhance the features of the different critters that hide amongst the pages.

When choosing products for your newborn, they don’t have to be expensive, over-complicated or ‘flashy’. They simply need to appeal to your little one and deliver the desired effect. We hope this guide has helped you to understand what are some of the best toys for newborns and most importantly, why.

To view the full range of newborn baby toys available at Little Snail click here, and remember;