High up on my extensive list of baby items we needed were two toys which I was adamant we buy before birth: a playmat and a bouncer. Just towards the end of my pregnancy I had a mini panic that we had NO TOYS for our baby, and we went that day to have a look.
There are a lot of toys marketed as "Suitable from birth" or "0-6 months". Obviously we concentrated on these, and eventually settled on just two things. But, despite being marketed as suitable for a newborn, I'm yet to be convinced that most of these toys are. Isabelle is now 2 months, and toys are not top of her list of priorities! So here is my guide to newborn toys which are really worth the investment.
1. A playmat
Miss Isabelle adores her playmat. She has been using it since she was just two weeks old, and it forms an important part of her morning and evening routine. There are hundreds of playmats on the market, to suit all price ranges. We bought a really cheap one from Asda Direct for £20. It has four hanging toys on a cross arch, and poppers up at the sides to create a 'pouch' for little ones to eliminate draughts. I can also use it when she is bigger for tummy time, as the mat itself is bright and has a mirror on it for that purpose.
You can also go high end on your playmat and get something like the popular Fisher Price Rainforest Playmat which has music, moving butterflies and flashing lights. Again, the bright mat and features like the 'crinkly leaf' mean it is able to be used for tummy time as well.
2. A bouncer
Read about my big love for our bouncer on the "Things we love, things we don't" page! Again, this is something we've used from birth and which there is a huge range of available options to choose from. Our bouncer was relatively cheap at around £40, but you can get them much cheaper if your budget is smaller.
Something like the Bright Starts Sunny Safari is bright and fun looking, while coming in at under £20.
Or, at the top end of bouncers there is the MAGIC astro bouncer which prices in at a hefty £129. For your money you do get mp3 compatibility to play soothing music to your little one, interactive kick pads, flashing lights and storage pockets. There are "cards" available to buy separately which you insert and they play songs and light shows specific to the card.
The next set of toys are not what I would describe as suitable from birth, but they things Isabelle has shown an interest in over the last 2/3 weeks.
3. Tummy time aids
Tummy time is an important part of a newborn routine, allowing them to have time off their back to alleviate the chance of Flat Head Syndrome, and also to allow them a chance to work different muscles and develop their movement.
We have the Mamas and Papas Tummy Time Activity Roll which was recommended by another mummy. It has lots of different toys attached, as well as a mirror, and it plays a tune. It's great for tummy time while Isabelle can't hold up her own head and needs that extra support, and I can see her using it even when she is sitting up and walking. Not bad for £18.50.
There are also specific playmats which are elevated at one end to allow tummy time, like the Mamas and Papas Tummy Time Octopus which is more expensive, but combines both a playmat and newborn tummy time!
4. Lamaze Toys
The Lamaze toys are wonderful as they are so bright and colourful. We have the Musical inchworm, a colourful and noisy block and have just ordered the Wrist rattle and foot finders. Isabelle loves the different textures and sounds which the Lamaze toys are famous for, so they are great for sensory play, and she will get good use out of them all as she grows. They are also pretty reasonably priced, and there are so many choices there is something for everyone!
Check out their stuff here: Lamaze
Enjoy your playtime!
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