A Pediatric Physical Therapist’s Gift Guide for a Newborn…
So…you may not have realized, but pediatric physical therapists essentially have mastered the art of play to help your child develop.
AND, I also specialize in selecting the perfect toy for every child that I work with to make sure that we reach our therapy goals. It’s not possible to just tell a baby “do 5 squats.” I have to make sure they want to do it, and…essentially trick them into doing things that are good for their development. I essentially play with kids all day and toys are the ways that I get them to enhance their development.
So, because of these reasons, I have also had parents ask me about lists for PT preferred toys for their baby, and with the seemingly unlimited options for toys, I can see how it gets overwhelming. Since no one wants a house full of useless plastic that gets played with for less than a week and then goes out to live the rest of its days in the bottom dusty portion of the toy box…or worse in the corner of your living room for 2 years since it can’t fit anywhere else.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A TOY?
Step 1: TOYS WITH A PURPOSE
Apart from the random stuff that we get as gifts sometimes, almost all of the toys in our toy box have a “purpose.” The are toys that you can really play with, manipulate, work out, and get lost in a world of imagination with. I’m a big fan of Montessori toys as you probably can imagine, and just beware of the toys that are like pretend iPADS, they really don’t teach your kids more than “if I press this button a noise happens. You want to go for the toys that make kids think.
Tummy Time mat - The number one developmental play item that you will need and use the most! You get to choose this one!
Teethers - Sooner than you think your baby will be teething and during this time their gums will be in pain. A teething toy is a great way to relieve any discomfort that your little one may feel. I especially like the ones that you can put in the freezer as these can numb the pain with the chilly gel edges.
Baby Einstein Music Box - Music is a great way to soothe your baby as they cry or just softly sing them to sleep. This one I have found to be the most popular since it is not too loud and also has a rattle which is a bonus!
Rings and O-Ball - The Oball gives a baby the It has 32 finger goles make this ball super easy to grasp for a baby and what’s nice is that you can continue to keep this toy for your little one as they grow. Rings give the opportunity for babies to grasp and hold objects.
Play Mirror - A mirror is a great way to get your little one aware of. Purchasing an unbreakable mirror, you can watch your infant stare and smile at themselves when they see their reflection. (Tummy time tip – get on the floor next to them!)
Sensory stuffed animals or board books - You probably already have a play friend for your little one – but make sure to get a sensory stuffed animal as well that has multiple limbs with different characteristics like a mirror, teether, rattle, and other textures.
Spin A Letter - As your little one gets a little older around 4-5 months, this toy is considered a “cause and effect toy” that gives your child a musical snippet with every turn. A note for parents – you may eventually memorize every song since your child with love this toy😊.
Step 2: You don’t have to spend the world
I have seen babies Children grow out of some toys quickly and a lot of babies stay entertained with a simple yellow play cup. If you’re preparing for the birth of your little one, your shopping list may already be incredibly long. However, one type of item that expecting and new parents sometimes forget about that is incredibly important is baby toys.
Ready for the next step? Stay tuned for Gift Guides for a 6-12 month, 1 and 2 year old!
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