Babies learn about the world around them through their play. They find out what is big and what is small, what is hard and soft, what happens if and how. As well as discovering their environment they also find their own capabilities and limits.

It doesn’t necessarily help your baby to be surrounded by hundreds of toys: a few are better. Whenever your baby is bored with a toy she will put it to one side and play with another. Babies learn through repetition and by playing with a few toys over and over again they discover new features. Remember, babies learn so much in their first few years they will always manage to find a new and interesting way to play with something. Let your child choose which toy she wants, perhaps from a toy box. When she is old enough ask her to help you to tidy them away before bedtime. By doing this together it will help you bond as well as encourage a sense of responsibility in the child.

At around a year old babies like to start imitating their parents and they should be given ‘real’ life toys to play with.

For more inspiring toy ideas please take a look at our toy's section!