Madeline’s Fun Stuff: Good-Time Girl Necessities

At some point, your baby will wake up and seek interaction. Of course, a baby’s parents and close relatives/friends are always favorite toys: to a baby, a face is just about the most fascinating option to offer. However, there are lots of toys on the market that guarantee to make your baby smarter/faster/friendlier/taller. Here’s a list of a few that are fun.

• Mobile. We originally bought this because it matched the crib bedding and was cute. Down the road, it proved to be an object of much fascination for Madeline. She loved the music, she loved the animals. It was a relaxing part of her bedtime routine.
• Mirror. This mirror was on Madeline’s list of favorites until she was about six months old. The colors, the patterns, and best of all, her own face. What could be better?
• Something to chew on. A finger will do. So will just about any teether/rattle available – once your baby starts teething, you’ll want to have something handy.

• Gym. We didn’t buy one of these until Madeline was almost two months old. She couldn’t get over it when we brought it home for her – again, the shapes, colors, music, lights and mirror were just fascinating to her. Apparently the one we bought isn’t made anymore (just one year later!); there are a huge variety of brands, styles and colors out there.
• Jumper/Exerciser. This was another toy that we didn’t have until later – my Mom bought one when she was about 5 months old because she “looked bored.” Moms know best – Madeline enjoyed the jumper immensely, and used it until she was about 11 months old. That’s a pretty good range of use for a baby toy.

• Books. It is literally never to early to read to your baby. Your voice is the best sound in the world to them. There are endless options for baby books; simply heading to your local library will show you a wealth of titles. Once your baby is big enough to bite and chew, you may want to invest in some board books. Some of Madeline’s favorites are Goodnight Moon, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, Little One, God Made You, and anything by Sandra Boynton.
• Blocks & stacking toys. Again, Mom found the best blocks for Madeline. She stacks them, but likes it best when we stack and she gets to knock them down. Also, these stacking cups have been a huge hit.

Madeline has so many other toys. There are hits all over the board: the LeapFrog Phonics Bus, drum and maracas; her sweet stuffed dolls; a Tupperware full of Cheerios. The kitchen Santa brought for Christmas has been a massive hit, and something that she’s played with every day since.  

However, she’s just as happy playing with a subscription card from a magazine, marveling at the way it crumples and folds. The most important thing is creativity and time together – outside of that, the accessories hardly matter.