Motherhood is a journey that encompasses countless unforgettable moments. From the first flutter of kicks in the womb to the first babbling words and those wobbly steps. As a mother, I’ve found immense joy in witnessing my little one’s growth and exploration.
Alongside this journey, I’ve discovered the importance of providing engaging and stimulating activities to support his development and keep him happy. In this guide, I’m excited to share with you some of the best infant activity buys that have become beloved staples in our home. So, grab a comfy spot and join me as we delve into the world of infant play!
Play Gyms: A Wonderland of Exploration
Play gyms are like special places for babies. They have lots of fun things to see, hear, and touch. There are toys hanging above that move gently, and a soft mat below for babies to lie on. Play gyms are safe and make babies feel happy and interested.
I’ve seen my baby reach out to touch the toys and kick his legs happily. He learns that when he touches or kicks, things move, and it’s exciting to watch him learn. Play gyms are easy to carry, so we can take them with us when we go out, like when we visit Grandma or go to the park for a picnic.
You can check out this amazing 4-in-1 Baby Play Gym Mat which is soft tmmy time mat with some really soft toys, or a musical and entertaining 2 in 1 Baby Gym Play Mat & Baby Learning Walker.
You can also go for the super handy and portable Playgro Fold & Go Playgym For Baby, which provides fun time anywhere and is easy to carry as well.
Interactive Books: Nurturing a Love for Reading
As someone who loves reading, I really wanted my child to love books too, starting when they were little. Interactive books have been a big help with that. They’re special because they have colorful pictures, things to touch, and fun stuff to do. When we read them, it’s like a fun, much more than just an ordinary read.
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My child loves pressing buttons to hear sounds or feeling the different textures on each page. Even if the child isn’t directly interacting with the book, he’s somewhere reading your expressions and getting your point of interest.
These books keep my child interested and make our reading time together super fun. Check out some amazing collection of interactive books which you can read with your child, and have some fun time together via interactive sounds and graphics.
- PI Kids Baby Einstein: My First Feelings Mirror Book
- Cottage Door Press Cocomelon Wheels on the Bus
- Owl Story Cloth Books,Crinkle,Colorful,Squeak,Rattle Rustling Sound
- DK Baby Touch And Feel: Bedtime
- Official Cocomelon: Old MacDonald’s Farm: A peep-through book
- Baby Touch: Seasons: A touch-and-feel playbook
- Baby Touch And Feel: Animals (Baby Touch And Feel)
Baby Bouncers: Blissful Moments of Relaxation
Baby bouncers are like cozy chairs for babies and their parents. They give babies a calm place to relax, play, and look around. I always remember how happy my baby looked when he sat in his bouncer. The gentle vibrations and soft music helped him feel calm. He loved playing with the toys hanging from the bouncer, which also helped him get stronger and learn to grab things.
As a mom, I like that baby bouncers give me a break. I can do chores or enjoy a cup of tea while knowing my baby is safe and happy in his bouncer.
You can choose from a range of baby bouncers as per your feasibility. We have picked some of the best options which we have seen so far.
If you’re looking for amazing yet budget-friendly bouncers, you can check out the list below.
- Bright Starts Safari Fun™ – Vibrating Bouncer
- Bright Starts Flamingo Vibes 3-Point Harness Vibrating Baby Bouncer with -Toy bar
- BRIGHT STARTS™ RAINFOREST VIBES(TM) VIBRATING BOUNCER
- MINNIE MOUSE Rosy Skies ™ Cradling Bouncer
If you’re looking for some extra add-ons and advanced functionalities, and slightly up a high range, you can check out these top picks below:
- Wemart Baby Electric Rocking Chair Baby Swing Crib Smart Bluetooth Electric Cradle with Remote Control and Mosquito Net
- 11200-3-InLighten Bouncer – Twinkle Tails – 0-6 months – enjoy 8 melodies and relax with soothing vibrations – cushioned foot pillow, side supports – rocking chair for baby – bouncer for baby
- Baybee Premium Automatic Electric Baby Swing Cradle for baby with 5 Swing Speed, Soothing Vibrations & Music | Baby Rocker with Mosquito Net, Safety Belt & Removable Baby Toys Swing for Baby
Sensory Toys: Stimulating the Senses for Optimal Development
Sensory toys are really helpful for babies to learn and explore. These toys can be different shapes, sizes, and textures, so there’s something for every baby’s liking. They can be squishy balls, rattles, or even toys that make crinkly sounds. These toys help babies to touch and feel different things, which is important for their development.
I have noticed that when I play with sensory toys with my baby, he not only has fun but also learns a lot. It helps him to think, move, and understand his feelings better. Whether he’s laughing while touching something new or using a toy to soothe his gums while teething, sensory play is a special time for us to bond and enjoy together.
Here are some of our favorite picks on amazon. You’re sure gonna love them. The best part is, if you have toddler, they’ll love that too.
- Infant Baby Musical Stuffed Animal Activity Soft Toys with Multi-Sensory Crinkle, Rattle and Textures
- Baby Teething, Sensory Toys, Rattle, Pull String Activity Toys Sensory Toys
- Inflatable Tummy Time Water Mat Baby
- Baby Ball Drop and Roll Swirling Tower
- Octopus, Sensory Rattle and Teether Multi-Use Toy
Baby Activity Centers: Your Baby’s Own Adventure Playground
Ever heard of those all-in-one wonderlands for babies? Baby activity centers are exactly the same! These mini playgrounds are like a party for your little one’s senses. They’re packed with colorful toys, buttons to push, music to dance to, and even educational bits like shapes and colors.
My little munchkin loves exploring every nook and corner of his activity center, and I love seeing him laugh and learn all at once. Nonetheless, it keeps him busy for some time!
Read Also: How To Teach Shapes: Exploring Shape Learning- A Mom’s Guide
Here are some of the best picks if you’re looking for all in 1 activity center for your kids.
If you’re looking to buy that is helpful in a long run, or a baby is 12+ months, you should definitely go for one of these options.
Soft Blocks and Stacking Toys: Building Blocks of Fun and Learning
Let’s talk about the old-school and classic fun time – soft blocks and stacking toys! These squishy, colorful blocks are perfect for tiny hands. They’re great for stacking, squeezing, and knocking down. Not only are they fun, but they also help with hand-eye coordination and those fine motor skills. My little builder spends quite a good amount of time stacking and knocking down towers. I love watching his face light up with each new creation, and sometimes I also start stacking up those blocks with him. It serves as an amazing bonding activity as well.0
These are some of the most classic choices for infants that can never get old! I have all of them and it’s always a fun to watch the various ways a child plays with them.
Musical Toys and Instruments
You know what’s awesome? Musical toys for babies! They’re like instant fun machines! From drums that light up and play tunes to guitars that sing poems and nursery rhymes, there’s a whole world of musical joy for our little ones. They’re not just playing; they’re also discovering beats and melodies. My little one loves to explore different sounds and hitting the drum not only with sticks but using hand also. Additionally, it helps babies to respond to the different sounds and see what happens when they hit different button each time.
The best thing is, we have musical mats now available which are super easy to carry anywhere as well. They are comparatively on the safer side if your baby is too small and you are concerned about the safety feature. As in baby doesn’t hit himself with those drum sticks or unable to press the musical instrument buttons.
Here are some of the things we’re talking about. Do have a look:
- Baby Musical Toys 6-in-1 Keyboard Piano Drum Musical Instruments
- Baby Bus Musical Toy with Xylophone, Shapes and Toys
- Kids Musical Instruments Set 8 Types 14pcs Wooden Percussion Instruments
- 3 in 1 Musical Mat for Toddlers, Baby Toys Piano Keyboard Drum Set
Conclusion
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for ways to keep our little ones happy and engaged. Whether it’s through play gyms, interactive books, baby bouncers, or any of the additional buys mentioned above, the key is to create a nurturing environment that fosters curiosity, creativity, and joy. Parenthood is a wild ride filled with ups, downs, and everything in between, but seeing that smile on your baby’s face makes it all worth it. Here’s to embracing each precious moment and enjoying the beautiful journey of parenthood together!
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