Infant Toys
One of the real pleasures of growing-up for me has been welcoming new kids into the family circle of testers. Our ranks have grown as my kids and nephews have had their own children. It has been particularly fun testing toys with these tots, first-hand, as their grandpa. When I first started reviewing toys with my mother and sister I was a new father. Decades later, it is still remarkable watching children learn through the "work" of play.
Here are some of the best new toys for infants.
Sassy Sushi Sorter ($9.99) There's really almost nothing fishy about this shape sorter. Seriously, if we didn't know the pieces were supposed to be sushi, we probably would not have known - you still get the classic shapes that get sorted into the appropriate holes. Youngest players will enjoy filling and dumping the tub with the pieces. Later on they will get the concept of matching the shape to the cut outs.
Fat Brain Play Tab ($45.70) In a year where most toys look like things we've seen before, the new Play Tab system is easily one of the most creative, innovative products of the year. You get a base that holds up to six tiles, and then you can add more, ala carte. Each tile exercises different tactile skills. There are buttons, switches, and rollers to touch, press, and click. Parents will love the no battery, no annoying amplified sound. Your kids will love the variety of options to play with. What more could you ask for? Play Tab offers great design, full of opportunities for open ended exploration, that is entirely kid-powered. Marked 12 months & up. Will be enjoyed well into your child's 2s.
Also top picks from last year:
Follies The Baby Bauhaus Set ($49.00) This set of fabric covered blocks (and a ball rattle) can be the basis for so many play activities, from eye-tracking to stacking to rolling, One of the cubes even has a mirrored side. The blocks can be used when baby is still on her tummy, and become even more engaging when they can sit-up! All my grandkids love stacking (or having me stack) and then knocking down the blocks with glee.
Manhattan Toy Cottontail Cottage Fill and Spill Baby and Toddler Sensory Activity Toy with 3 Stuffed Animal Bunny Rattles ($42.00) Once your baby is sitting up they will love playing with the three cute bunnies who live in this toy house. A fill-and-spill toy, the bunnies can go in through the front arch or via the roof. Peek-a-boo flaps have surprises for kids to explore. When they start walking they will be able to transport the bunnies and the cottage using the handle built into the roof.
First Dolls
When choosing a first doll or huggable, safety is the number one concern. Too often, babies are given dolls with parts or accessories that can be swallowed or cause injury. For that reason stitched dolls without items than can be sucked on and potentially come loose in a baby's mouth are a good choice, as are dolls that don't have synthetic hair. Here are some favorites:
Corolle Miss Floral Sweet Dreams Doll ($26.95) This doll had soft clothes that are permanently attached, and a painted-on face and its diminutive 9.5" size is just right for baby. The doll is available in different skin tones. Ages 6 months and up.
Corolle Badidoux Blossom Garden Doll ($26.95) Similar to Miss Floral, above, this doll has been baby-proofed (as much as possible) with soft fabrics sewn on permanently, painted features that won't come off in a baby's mouth, and designed to be a great first huggable. Ages 6 months and up.
Corolle Bébé Calin Maud Baby Doll - 12" Soft Body Doll ($41.91)
Manhattan Toy Baby Stella 15" Soft Baby Doll ($29.99) This cute baby even comes with a magnetic pacifier.
GUND Baby Sustainable Baby Doll ($16.76)
cuddle + kind Baby Animal Bundle - Set of 3 Lovingly Handcrafted Baby Stuffed Animals for Girls & Boys ($106.00) Once you've seen these oh-so-cute, stitched, baby-safe, dolls, what more needs to be said? That you want a set for yourself, too? Probably! OK, here's one more thing to make you go "awww": The company donates 10 meals to children who might otherwise go to bed hungry for each doll sold.
