Kira's Favorite Toys

Last week we had some out of town visitors over for lunch: my friend, Kim, who I've known since Loveboat 2000, her sister, brother-in-law, and her new baby niece!  Kim's sister is such a great mom; so attentive and it shows in her baby, who is so happy and well-adjusted.  The baby is only about 4 months old, and she's starting to play with toys!  I remember those days with Kira!  I had no clue what toys were good for Kira.  Now, Kira definitely has certain preferences when it comes to toys.  I'm not sure if these toys are necessarily "good" for her, but they are her favorites anyway.

1. Lamaze Chime Garden.  Kira likes this toy because it appeals to all of her senses.  It is very colorful, lights up, plays songs, and "chimes" when she taps the flowers.  The flowers also have different types of fabric for the petals, making it fun to touch.  She also likes to put the flowers in her mouth, so it appeals to her sense of taste, too!  haha. 

2. Neptune Ocean Adventure Activity Mat.  Actually, it's the mirror that comes with the activity mat that Kira really loves.  She likes to see her face in the mirror; it makes her laugh and talk.  I really love the mirror, too because it keeps her busy while I change her diaper!

3. Stacy Doll.  When Kira was born, she received so many little toys, one of which was a soft doll we named Stacy.  (Stacy was the person who gave her the doll.)  I think she likes it because it's really soft and velvety.  Plus, it has clear placement of the eyes which Kira can quickly identify.  Here is a picture of Kira with Stacy Doll.

4. Sassy Bumble Bites Teether.  Kira's teeth started coming out at about 5 months of age.  She couldn't help biting and chewing to sooth her irritated gums.  Her favorite thing for gnawing was her bumble bee.  It's great because it has a lot of different textures.  One of the bee wings is filled with water, so if you put the teether in the fridge, it will be cool for inflamed gums.  Even now, while her teeth are taking a break from coming out, she likes to stick the old bee in her mouth.  Some habits die hard, I guess.

5. Fluffy Chick and Friends Cloth Book.  

This is pretty much the only book I let Kira get her little nabbers on.  

Her hands are always sticky, not to mention her first knee-jerk reaction to put things in her mouth, which ruins even the board books.  The other reason why this little book is nice is because it has just enough text to make it sound like a real story without losing Kira's very short attention span.  And best of all, it's washable!

In hindsight, it's clear these are great toys for babies age 0-6 months because they encourage the use of all senses, and keep the baby's attention.  Kira's embarking on another milestone age (i.e., 9-months), and I'm thinking she will need some different toys.  Here's what I think she might like:

 - blocks

 - musical instruments

 - something with wheels

 - story books

 

That's all I can think of right now.  If other moms are reading this, let me know what your kiddies like.  And if my favorite soon-to-be pediatricians have any ideas for healthy brain development, I would love to hear them!