Archive for the ‘Infant Toys’ Category

Our children are quite literally a mirror to ourselves. Every action we carry out, our children watch with interest and soon enough begin to copy our movements and actions. Toddlers can often become frustrated as safety conscious parents try to protect their children from harm by removing items such as hot cups which could burn little fingers or plates which could break and be sharp and hazardous. Anything of significant danger is placed high up out of our children’s reach, our children still watch what we do with fascination whether they can reach or not… They later try to emulate us as we carry out the everyday chores such as make a cup of tea or load the washing!

One way in which to encourage role play without quashing our children’s desire to copy our actions through removal of dangerous items, is to offer infants, toddlers and children alternative items which are child friendly and safe to be played with.

The ELC Spotty Tea Set is available in either blue or pink, including four saucers, four cups, four small teaspoons, a teapot (and lid), a milk jug and sugar pot (with lid). Ideally, setting this tea set upon a toddler sized table offers your child the chance to role play without having to reach onto high surfaces or worse, play upon the floor. After all, our children see us at tables with cups and saucers, therefore we should offer them the chance to do the same! Why not setup a Family Tea Party or even a Teddy Bear’s Tea Party?

Available from the Early Learning Centre (www.elc.co.uk) the ‘Spotty Tea Set’ retails at only £8.00 and offers hours of educational, life skill based fun for tots and children.

Made from soft, flexible plastic ‘The Baby Einstein Bendy Ball’ is suitable for infants aged three months and over. The bright, cheerful primary colours are eye catching and capturing for young children.

The ball can easily be squeezed, bent, grasped by little fingers, rolled or even chewed! The Bendy Ball is easily washed in warm soapy water and can be sterilised for young infants using sanitising wipes.

The Bendy Ball features a chain of circular coloured discs designed to appear like a caterpillar which loop around the ball. Infants often enjoy handling necklaces and beads, these colourful discs attached to the Bendy Ball are similar in texture and appearance thus stimulate this desire.

A chime bell is situated in the centre of the ball so that when it is rolled, thrown, shaken or moved the ball produces sound stimulation.

The Bendy Ball is lightweight, easy to fit into the average sized changing bag and best of all it can easily be attached to a toy safety clip or pacifier clip due to its mesh design to ensure that it is kept safely onboard the buggy when out and about.

Available from www.mothercare.co.uk for only £4.99 the Baby Einstein Bendy Ball is a fantastic, affordable toy for infants and toddlers.

The Hide ‘N’ Seek Combo features three crawling tunnels/ tubes, an igloo style tent, a circular popup tent and a club house which can be used separately or alternatively can be linked together to create one large play zone for toddlers and children.

Although Ryan’s Toys (this products manufacturer) suggests that this item is suitable from three years upwards, it is also great for infants who are able to crawl, as they enjoy travelling through tunnels and exploring playing inside of tents with parental supervision.

Infants and children love to play ‘Peek a Boo’ and ‘Hide and Seek’ from an early age, this product encourages movement, play and can be used for a number of activities which are inspiring and fun for young children.

The tunnels and tents are suitable both for outdoor and indoor use as no pegs are required for assembly. Always ensure that there are no sharp or bumpy objects underneath where the Hide ‘N’ Seek Combo is to be placed.

Although this product is fantastic when pieced together to create a large play area for children, it is also really useful as separate parts. The tent and club house are the ideal size for indoor play and can be used of evening for housing children’s toys whilst they are out of use.

The tunnels simply spring together and can be tied and stored away with ease. When packaged, the Hide ‘N’ Seek Combo fits neatly into two storage bags and takes up little space.

The instructions provided in order to put together all the parts are clear and easy to follow although do require an adult to construct.  When out of use the parts can be kept in two Velcro storage bags which are provided.

Available from www.amazon.co.uk for £59.99 the Hide ‘N’ Seek is literally six toys in one and well worth its price.

Suitable from twelve months onwards the Click Clack Caterpillar is the ideal toy for toddlers to explore the movement and speed of rolling objects such as balls and cars. The Click Clack Caterpillar features a zig-zag ball shoot which balls and cars can roll down, whilst on the other side is a narrow zig-zag track for ladybird designed cars to travel down at a faster speed.

Toddlers really enjoy learning how to place the balls in the top shoot and cars on the track correctly in order to send them on their rhythmic journey to the bottom tray. The noise and visual experience is also stimulating and enjoyable for both toddlers and adults too!

The Click Clack Caterpillar features flashing lights and three melodies or four funky sound effects which are activated through movement or can simply be set  to play continuously. The Music and sound effects can be set to play at two alternate volumes or switched off if required. The Click Clack Caterpillar requires three AA Batteries.

Available for £25.00 from The Early Learning Centre (www.elc.co.uk) the Click Clack Caterpillar is the the perfect toy for a curious toddler to practice and refine their motor skills.