All a parent wants is nothing more than giving the kid the best start in life. The joy that comes with raising a healthy baby is unmeasurable. From the minute they enter the world, they are born with that sense of interest and a desire to explore the world around them. To enhance physical, emotional and cognitive stability. Parents/guardians should provide their children with different toys to keep their bodies and minds busy.

As babies grow, they pass through different changes and learn more through playing. There are plenty of toys aimed at developing babies' talents and assisting them in building their muscles while playing. Choosing the right toys for the baby is not only for fun but helps them to reach their full potential. Toys help in cognitive growth thus stimulating other physical motors.

However, before purchasing any toy or baby item, one should review their age, interest, abilities and safety. Toys with beads or ornaments might not work well with small children as they can cause choking.

Simple things to do before offering your baby a toy

• Let the baby discover sound.

A parent should make sure the baby is aware of different objects and their sounds by giving them items like;

• Drums.
• Xylophone.
• Bells.
• Rattle.
• Introduce your baby to the toys.

 For older children, introducing the toy's make is quite significant to avoid hurt. Some toys require water, refill sand, or different liquids. It's wise to teach your child how to handle the toy or provide the toy in an adult’s presence.

• Expose the baby to texture.

It is good to give the baby different textured clothes and items to allow them to explore the difference between smooth cotton, silk or nylon. Also, differentiate between leather and, rubber and other materials.

• Put different objects in a box.

Parents should fill the toy box with objects made of different materials like plastic, metal and wood. The baby will notice the different feel sounds and explore new activities using the toys. This builds multiple aspects, including cognitive growth.

• Encourage the senses.

Place the baby on a mat made of different fabrics and patterns. This will make the baby see and touch the patterns and will notice the difference.

What to consider before buying the toy.

• Safety.

When buying a toy, make sure it is safe even when the baby is left alone. Some toys are very small making them to fit entirely into your baby’s’ mouth. Make sure that parts of the toy can't break off and it is made of non-toxic materials.

Are toys suitable for all babies?

Yes. Toys are made to stimulate their thinking and learning. They are available for all stages according to the baby's age. Introducing toys is important for a baby's cognitive growth.

How do toys promote cognitive growth?

Toys promote cognitive growth through:

• Toys engage babies in activities that develop critical thinking memory.
• Toys help the kids to gain problem solving skills.
• They provide opportunities for them to learn, explore and play.
• They reach their full potential with a happy and healthy childhood.

Best baby toys for cognitive growth include;

Different types of baby toys are made to make the baby happy and busy. The toys are made with different materials and offer unique joy.

They include;

• Musical toys.

These are baby toys with devices used to play and produce some musical sounds. The sound makes the baby cheer up, and babies who love singing can use it to play different tunes and perfect their musical coordination talents.

They include;

• Guitar
• Drums
• Flute
• Piano

• Baby shakers toys.

Baby shaker toys help the child to be familiar with the shaker's sounds, textures and colours. The sound will make the baby pay attention, grab the shaker, and try shaking. The shaker usually has some hard shelled beads which help in producing the sound.

• Push and pull baby toys.

The push and pull baby toys are relevant for babies who are capable in walking as they can push and get the toy wherever they want. This helps them to control their toys in all directions. It’s a great way to improve physical motor skills.

• Puppets toys.

These are used for fun as the baby will learn to communicate, express their emotions and use their imaginations while playing with them.

• Building blocks toys.

Building blocks toys allows the baby to learn about creativity as the baby will be able to build anything and rebuild it again. This will allow them to experience new items as they have opportunity to build multiple things with the blocks.

• Shape puzzles board toys.

 Shape puzzle board toys are a fun way to assist the baby with cognitive skills. The baby gains skills and knowledge through trial and error from shaping their objects. Depending on the type of puzzle, the baby will learn about shapes, sizes and colours and how things work.

• Playing cards, game toys.

Playing card games is fantastic; it keeps the kids engaged and entertained. These games offer the following benefits to babies;

• Promoting social interaction with other babies.
• Providing a fun learning experience.
• Enhancing cognitive talents for the baby.

• Soft toys and animals.

The baby will enjoy fondling and playing with these toys, helping them learn to develop a sense of comfort, and they will get attached to them easily.

• Sensory baby toys.

 Sensory baby toys are designed to engage the baby's senses and assist in developing their cognitive talents, providing a rich and stimulating sensory experience. They may have different types such as colors, shapes, textures and sounds.

Toys are the best and easiest developmental tools that one can acquire easily. They are affordable and readily available as parents can make dolls and toys from different items.