Toys for Toddlers » toys

Discount Toys and Baby Gear – How To Effectively Manage Your Baby Expenses?

howbabylearns — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 03:57:17 +0000

Discount Toys and Baby Gear - Let us face this fact: your baby's needs are very expensive. As parents, we hesitate to think of our beautiful baby as a huge expense, but we have to cope with the financial challenges in order for our newborn to be healthy and happy as they grow. The baby has needs beyond just some peek-a-boo or other toy that produce gurgling sounds or whatever. Babies require their nutrition (breast milk or formula), bottles, diapers, baby food/purees, strollers, high chairs, carriers and the list goes on. In addition, when they get sick, we have to pay for doctor visits and buy them medicine. The list goes can seem endless. You may even be wondering right now how you can raise your precious one as you endure the baby expenses, in good economic times and bad. The strategy is simple; all you have to do is create a plan.

Proper budgeting is the first step to reduce the baby expenses. When you have a new baby means there will be an addition of baby expenses to your budget. Safety and quality products for your baby should have higher priority than the expenses.

Be smart, think innovatively.

1. Relax as you do not have to buy all the products for your baby all at once. There are people to help you. Many people know how expensive it is to manage a baby. When you have a baby shower you can save money. Give a chance to your friends and family before buying. Lot of gifts will be given to you by your friends who received your invitation. You will know what are all the things required by noting down the items in the baby shower.

2. It will also help if you are able to tell your friends or other family members for a particular gift that you need like cribs or strollers so that you will be able to reduce the baby expenses. Many parents who have grown up children may contribute cribs, strollers, and high chair used for their children in quest for more space in their room.

Baby Boys STRIDE RITE walkers black 45 4 1 2 W shoes
US $9.99

Baby Girls Pink Flower Shoes Pre Walkers 3 6mths NWT
US $11.93

Baby toddlers walkers leg warmers for 0 4Ys x 2pairs
US $6.42

Barbie Doll Clothes WHOLESALE 12 Baby Walkers Good Gift
US $49.99

Size 3 Baby Boy Navy Leather Suede First Walkers NEW
US $9.14

White Leather Baby Shoes Walkers 3W 3 W Wide girl boy
US $19.99

TKS WHITE LEATHER INFANT FIRST WALKERS SHOES 3 ½ W NWOT
US $4.01

Colourful Baby Toddlers Walkers Leg Warmers 0 4Y x 2
US $6.42

3. Now, with the diapers, you do not have to select those that are expensive and well known. This is because they all have the same function whatever their price is. A cloth diaper is also a cheap product that will allow you to save money and at the same time, you are not being cruel to the environment.

4. Having to purchase those infant formulas for your baby is very costly so if you can breastfeed, do it. It is very good for your child and also to you since it is free. You can be sure that it is safe and healthy.

5. When your baby grows up, you will have to provide baby food. Now, you can just blend those strawberries, peaches and other fruits as well as carrots and oats. This way, you can make your own recipe and this is much more nutritious than the ones that you will be buying the stores. Working moms can also benefit from this. Just place the pureed food in the freezer and then microwave it before serving it to the baby.

6. Extravagant toys and clothes are not required. When choosing, it is important that they suite your child's age and size.

Keep these things in mind all the time and you will have no problem with regards to baby expenses.

Baby Toys Discounts – Eco Friendly Toys for Babies

howbabylearns — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 03:56:58 +0000

Baby Toys Discounts - With all the recalls for toys made in China, it`s important for parents to consider and eco-friendly or "green" alternative for buying toys. Green products in general are items that considered to be natural and/or organic - made of natural materials that rae also biodegradable and recyclable. It`s also a good idea to look for toys that don`t use toxic dyes or any lead. This is especially important because infants and young children tend to put alot of objects in their mouths, particularly when they are teething.

What I found when doing research on this topic is that there are many toy designers and toy manufacturers that now take all this into consideration. They not only consider the eco-friendliness of a toy, there`s also a concern about durability, eliminating sharp edges, and not designing toys that have small parts that can fall off and be easily swallowed. So stuffed animal toys with glass or button eyes are out. Cloth and soft toys that are washable are now much more popular.

Wooden moveable Crocodile from Anamalz toy eco friendly
US $8.22

Wooden moveable Zebra from Anamalz toy eco friendly
US $8.22

Wooden moveable Cow from Anamalz toy eco friendly
US $8.22

Wooden moveable Emu from Anamalz toy eco friendly
US $8.22

Eco Friendly Dog Toy Squeak Hemp Fetch Play Large Man
US $5.99

Eco Friendly Dog Toy Squeak Hemp Fetch Play Small Man
US $4.99

Eco Friendly Dog Toy Squeak Hemp Fetch Play Small Bone
US $4.99

Eco Friendly Dog Toy Squeak Hemp Fetch Play Large Bone
US $5.99

Now for the fun stuff. Toy makers design their products according to age group. For newborns and infants, there`s alot of mobiles that show brightly colored bold geometric shapes and patterns that work to a baby`s ability to focus their eyesight. Some play soothing music - even Mozart and Beethovan. Lots of toys fall into the activity or educational categories to keep the munchkins busy and entertained. Again, these are designed according to age group and dexterity levels. Many of these toys while being fun are also adorable. They`re soft, safe, and washable too. Some of the bath toys play music, light up, and spin around. How fun is that? For a busy and full time working parent, bath time might be one of the few times where you get to spend quality time with your little ones. You`re there anyway, so it might as well be fun and entertaining. You can use the tub time to play with your kids with these wonderfully designed activity toys, and you know what? You`ll have a blast too watching your baby play, learn, and of course, get clean. I invite you to look at the website I designed. It provides a huge resource for current baby and child care, information, and supplies - many at a discount for parents (and doting grandparents too).

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Discount Baby Toys – Affordable Photo Birth Announcements, Picture Baby Announcements & Birth Cards With Photo

howbabylearns — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 03:56:53 +0000

Photo Birth Announcements Cards for New Baby - A Cute Photo Makes Precious Photo Birth Cards

Discount Baby Toys - Besides finding out the name, birth date, weight and gender of the baby, most family and friends want to have a picture of the baby. Photo birth announcements cards have become quite popular. Distant relatives and friends might not have the opportunity to see the baby in person so baby photo announcements are a great way to let them see the joyous addition!

The array of photo baby announcement choices is mind-boggling. Parents should start looking for the photo baby card that represents something unique about their family before the baby arrives. Some discount photo birth announcement cards are modern and simple. The picture on trendy photo baby cards really pops. Other popular choices are to incorporate a theme from the nursery, baby toys or animals into the photo baby announcements. By searching ahead of time for the perfect photo birth card, parents are sure to find the one that shows the family’s unique personality.

Photo birth cards take a little more time to finish since just the right picture has to be taken! Parents can enlist a professional or have a friend or family member take digital pictures to help delegate the work involved in having photo baby announcements. However, many parents take plenty of pictures when they have a newborn so they can choose to do it themselves. Using digital imaging software to change lighting or effects on the picture that is chosen for the photo baby card can make any amateur photograph look professional. One basic principle to keep in mind for the picture on a good looking photo birth card is to take lots of close ups of the baby with the camera in macro mode. Friends and relatives want to see the baby’s features on the birth announcements with photo picture!

Carte baptème naissance Birth Baptism Greeting Card
US $.99

Birth Announcement Note Cards from American Greetings
US $.99

SAM SNEAD Very Rare Birth Relic Card 1912 WHEAT PENNY
US $9.99

PETE ROSE Very Rare Birth Relic Card 1941 WHEAT PENNY
US $9.99

SUGAR RAY ROBINSON Rare Birth Card 1921 WHEAT PENNY
US $9.99

STAN MUSIAL Very Rare Birth Relic Card 1920 WHEAT PENNY
US $9.99

RUSSIA USSR 1984 POST CARD 200 birth ann OBOVEFDC
US $.99

Clemence Wescoupe Birth 1979 Framed Art Print Card
US $9.95

While the picture taking itself can take some time, photo announcements do not have to take a long time to process and deliver from websites that specialize in customized photo baby announcements. Parents should investigate the process ahead of time. A proof of the photo birth announcements is sent electronically, within ONE hour, to the parents to ensure the birth cards are perfect prior to printing. Since one website sends your proof within one hour and will print and ship the same day you approve your proof, parents can figure out their schedule ahead of time. In general, it is a good idea to go with a website with great service and same day printing and shipping. This will allow the parents to get their photo baby cards quickly when there tends to be family and friends that are around to help with the duties!

If parents do not get out their photo birth cards early, they should still try to get out photo baby announcements cards before the baby turns two months old. The picture can be one taken when the baby was a newborn or it can be a current picture of the baby. Friends and relatives understand the busy lives of new parents and will appreciate a photo baby announcement card that might come a little later.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Baby Toys Discounts – Creating Your Own Baby Theme Gift Baskets

howbabylearns — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:56:30 +0000

Baby Toys Discounts - Creating your own baby theme gift baskets is really easy and fun. You can save money by making them yourself instead of buying them from a trendy gift store. You can make them for personal use to give as gifts or start a home based gift basket business.

You only need a few simple supplies to get started.

Supplies:

Basket
Basket Filler (shreds)
Basket Clear Cellophane Bag or Basket Wrap
Ribbon (to tie off the bag)
Ribbon (to make a bow)
Gift Tag
Product Fillers
Scissors

*optional* disposable cameras to pack in the baskets.

Now its time to pick a theme and go out and buy some product fillers for your gift basket. Here are some theme ideas to get your creative process started.

1. Baby Bath Care Basket: rubber ducky, bath toys, baby wash cloths, baby bath towels, baby body wash, baby bath shampoo, baby powder, brush and comb.

2. Baby Diapering Basket: newborn sized disposable diapers or cloth diapers, diaper pins, rubber pants, diaper rash cream, clothing diaper changing pads, disposable diaper changing pads, diaper wipes, toy and dirty diaper disposable bags.

3. Baby Feeding Basket: disposable and cloth baby bibs, feeding spoons, wash cloths, hand wipes, sipper cups, plastic feeding dishes (cup, bowl and plate), box of baby cereal, jars of baby food, teething ring and a toy.

Baby Keepsake Gift Basket in Yellow Theme Covers it all
US $32.00

Baby Keepsake Gift Basket in Pink Theme Covers it all
US $32.00

Baby Keepsake Gift Basket in Blue Theme Covers it all
US $32.00

4. Baby Nursing Feeding Basket: baby bottles, bottle nipples, bottle liners, bottle cleaning brush, bottle sterilizer, burp pads, baby bibs, wash cloths, hand wipes, pacifier, teething rings and a toy.

5. Baby Toy Basket: baby rattles, baby teething rings, rubber ducky, plastic soft-cover baby books, particle board baby books, lullaby music cd and a teddy bear.

6. Baby Basics Basket: 3 baby wash cloths, 3 baby bath towels, 3 baby bibs, 3 baby onesies, 3 pair baby bootie socks, 1 baby hat, 2 baby sleepers, 1 pacifier, 1 toy rattle and a teddy bear.

7. Baby First Aid Basket: diaper rash cream, antibiotic ointment, band aids, ear thermometer, rectal or oral thermometer, baby teething relief gel, infant fever reducer medication, medicine spoon, medicine dropper, tweezers and a teddy bear or other toy.

8. Bedtime Baby Basket: 1 baby blanket, 2 soft cover baby books, 2 hardcover baby books, night light, lullaby music cd, 2 baby sleepers or night sacks, crib sheets and a teddy bear.

9. Grandma's Theme Baby Basket: (all items in this basket should have something to do with grandma and you can find a lot of preprinted grandma and nana theme items) bibs, sleepers, onesies, books, toy and a teddy bear.

*note* extra special idea: look for one of those going to grandma's house theme totes and pack your items into one of those instead of using a basket.

10. Baby Travel Basket: (all items are small and can fit into a diaper bag, travel sizes work best) diaper wipes, diaper rash cream, diaper changing pads, shampoo, baby lotion, baby bath body wash, baby powder, comb, hair brush, hats, booties, blankets, hand wipes, sipper cup, baby bottle, travel-style baby bottle warmer, disposable dirty diaper bags and a teddy bear or toy.

You can find a lot of the smaller items to fill your baskets at the local discount dollar store to save money. I have also found basket filler shreds and basket bag wraps there too.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

Discount Baby Toys – Baby Shower Gifts are Symbols of Love

howbabylearns — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 03:57:59 +0000

Discount Baby Toys - Baby shower gifts are normally given by friends, close relatives or colleagues to the parents-to-be as a form of love, affection and congratulations expressing happiness at the pregnancy and at the prospect of the birth of a baby in the near future. Baby shower is normally organized for pregnancy celebrations and the baby shower gifts are mostly items that would be useful to the babies. At the baby shower party, there is an atmosphere of happiness, entertainment and enjoyment in the environment.

Baby Shower Gift Products

The range of products that are available for being given as baby shower gifts is endless. You can choose the items that you feel would be most useful to the baby. If you like to give simple items you can go in for a crib or various types of baby clothes. On the other hand, if you wish to give special gifts you can choose any of the following: activity toys, portable monitor, bouncers, special toys, baby bags, baby sheets, bath kits or children’s books.

Personalized Baby Shower Gifts

Gifts for baby shower can also be personalized as this reflects extreme care and affection. In the category of personalized gifts, you can plan a dinner for the parents and close relatives and friends, offer to baby-sit for a few days, offer your physical help in the baby shower preparations and generally offer to help with household work when the mother-to-be is not in a position to manage the home. You can also offer your services to prepare the cards for baby shower invitations and to distribute the same among the invitees.

Baby Shower Gifts Based On The Party Theme

Usually baby shower parties are organized based on a central theme. It would be a wonderful idea to select baby shower gifts that would match with this theme. This will also enable the hosts to use these gifts to decorate the baby’s room accordingly.

Personalized Baby Girl Print Picture Shower Gift
US $12.99

Personalized Baby Boy Silhouette Print Baby Shower Gift
US $12.99

Lot of NIP NWT Baby Items Perfect for Shower Gift
US $2.99

New England Patriots Bassinet Basket Baby Shower Gift
US $15.99

Pink Bassinet Gift Basket Baby Shower Gift
US $24.50

Bassinet Gift Basket Pink White Baby Shower Gift
US $15.99

Handmade baby shower gift set Boys Baseball Theme
US $24.00

Baby Shower BLUE BOY Diaper Cake Gift Table Decoration
US $24.50

Take The Mom-To-Be In Confidence

Baby shower is another name for pregnancy celebrations and to herald the impending arrival of the baby. As such, it’s the day of the mom-to-be and you should ask her whether there is anything special that she needs. Besides satisfying the special need of the expectant mother, you will be able to avoid duplication of gifts as you will not give her anything that is already available with her. If you do a little research in the market, you’ll be able to find a vast array of baby shower gifts.

Economizing On Baby Shower Gifts

If you have a large circle of friends and relatives, it would be a good idea to buy clothes for newborns and for slightly higher sizes whenever you can find them at a discount in the stores and keep them for use as and when you are invited for any baby shower party. You can economize further by offering your services for any work that the parents-to-be find overwhelming.

You can also use your creativity to devise inexpensive gifts that would be very useful also. There is no limit to the possibilities of various types of baby shower gifts but it only needs a keen eye, a creative mind and the determination to find the best one.

I'm eager to hear your comments...

Discount Baby Toys – Tips for the Best Toddler Toys

howbabylearns — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:58:13 +0000

Discount Baby Toys - Now that your precious baby can do more then eat, sleep, and cry its time to purchase some toys to entertain as well as educate your toddler. Toys that educate as well as entertain and are becoming more apparent in the market place. Not all toys ill promote intellectual growth and stimulation, so it is important to become aware of what is best suited for a toddler for their educational and learning purposes.

There are an abundance of toys on the market today, even more then years past and the amount is only increasing by the year, where does a parent begin? Each decade that passes more toys are being developed and become more elaborate and sophisticated. In some cases the toddlers would have more fun playing with the box the toy came in rather then the toy itself.

Typically, toys for toddlers would be very colorful and with bright shapes and designs. Toys that can be stacked, squeezed, sorting shapes and patterns are a good way to stimulate the toddlers mind. Recognizing shapes and different colors early in their life will make it easier for them to retain the information later. Animal toys that make sounds are also valuable because they promote hearing different animals and recognizing them by sounds without seeing them, eventually. Word association toys are a great way to build up a toddlers vocabulary slowly.

lovely baby bath yellow fish squeaky toys set 20 pcs
US $1.53

VINTAGE TY BEANIE BABY PLUSH STUFFED RED BIRD TOY
US $3.98

InfantsCostumeDisney ToysWITCH New w Tags 3 6MO
US $13.99

MCDONALDS UK 2003 POOH BEAR RABBIT BABY TOYS MIB CUTE
US $.99

Baby Toy Lot of 9
US $6.99

TY Tiger Beanie Baby Plush toy stripes like lion
US $.99

lovely baby bath blue starfish squeaky toys set 20 pcs
US $1.53

Haba Baby Infant Toy World Globe Ball
US $.99

It should be noted toddler toys should be relatively large in size, which means large enough where the toddlers can't put very small pieces in their mouth because that raises the possibility of them choking or swallowing the toy. Many toys come in a one piece set where the toys can't be broken up into smaller pieces. Toys should not have extremely sharp edges or corners but more rounded, soft edges as well. It should be noted toddler toys should be relatively large in size, which means large enough where the toddlers can't put very small pieces in their mouth because that raises the possibility of them choking or swallowing the toy. Many toys come in a one piece set where the toys can't be broken up into smaller pieces. Toys should not have extremely sharp edges or corners but more rounded, soft edges as well.

Common sense must be taken into account when buying toddler toys, the most expensive toys are not necessarily the best. It is important to get those "creative juices" flowing in a toddlers mind. Taking an active role in a toddlers learning development can only do good for them. A toddlers mind is comparable to a sponge, it absorbs the liquids it comes in contact with. Since a toddlers mind is at a stage where its willing to absorb all this information, the right educational toys is the water to be absorbed. Surrounding a toddler in a fun, educational environment will only benefit them.

Tips For The Best Toddler Toys
Great Kid Gifts

What do you think? Please comment below to tell me.

Discount Baby Toy – Infant Developmental Toys

howbabylearns — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 03:57:01 +0000

Tips to Select Infant Developmental Toys

Discount Baby Toy - There are a number of parents who are concerned about the best suited infant developmental toys However, before actually buying such toys you need to consider the various activities of your infant. You child while in between 6 to 9 months can actually sit alone for a longer period of time, will be able to pick up and hold objects and can crawl from one place to another.

Between 9-12 months, your infant will become more active and will be keen to play with you. This is the time when their attention span is developed and they gradually start to understand you. Your kid will even attempt or start walking during this stage. In these days, keep on talking to your baby as they enjoy hearing familiar voices and begin to understand your tone and the meaning of your words.

During this stage, you need to be very careful about the toys your purchase for your child. You can conveniently opt for the various developmental toys that will help you child to be more active while playing. These toys need to appealing to your kids. So opt for bright colored toys and make sure that they can grab it, poke it, turn it, drop, throw or even stack it. In addition, getting infant toys that can help you kid to learn about cause and effect provide added advantage.

Infant Toddler Baby toys Electronic Developmental
US $9.99

Toddler infant baby toys electronic developmental bear
US $5.99

baby soft developmental toy whoozit manhattan EUC LOOK
US $5.95

SASSY BABY TOYS DEVELOPMENTAL TEETHING PLAY TOYS
US $2.99

Infantino plush Discover Elephant 12 developmental toy
US $4.99

Tupperware Shape O Ball Developmental Toy kids NEW Rare
US $19.45

Sassy Developmental Baby Toy Rings with Slotted Box
US $1.99

Baby Toys Teethers Developmental Rings Rattles
US $5.99

The following are some of the infant developmental toys that you can easily opt for:

Inchworm: This infant toy is especially designed for babies up to an age of 36 months and includes crunchy face, rattling feelers, rattling body and mirror. It helps to encourage the motion and to stimulate the senses of your child.

Colorful cubes: Your child will be very excited with this colorful and fully interactive cloth cubes. These foam filled cubes are usually made of cotton or polyester and can be easily hand washed. In each side of the cube there are different images and there are three movable magnetic side flaps with a kaleidoscopic viewing portal. This will fascinate your baby with the hidden objects and the colorful images.

Grasping toys: These types of infant toys include a number of multi-colored and smooth wooden shapes that are ideal for first finger exercises. You child can easily twist and pull the toy and as the wooden pieces rotate it creates a rattling sound, which is very entertaining for your kid.

There are a number of online stores that sell such infant developmental toys Some of these sites also offer discounted price as well as refund or store credit facilities.

I'm eager to hear your comments...

Montessori Toys for Toddlers – What to Look for in a Pre-school

howbabylearns — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 02:41:06 +0000

Montessori Toys for Toddlers - Education is the cornerstone of success and it begins in early childhood with the first portal of learning – The Pre-School. If statistics are any index, then ninety percent of the human brain is developed by the age of three years and near complete development has occurred by the age of five years – which makes preschool the most impressionable of all the learning institutes that the growing child would attend in the years to come!

THE CONVENTIONAL MODE

In the not-so-recent past, it was simple and effective to put a child in preschool – all it entailed was consulting the directory and calling the school closest to home and the child was admitted!

The perceived needs of the parents were limited to:

A safe, secure and warm classroom environment for the budding child

The focus expected being primarily academics

Logistically, the school needed to be close to the home and convenient to attend

The changing times have witnessed exponential increases in both the number of preschools and the expectations of the parents per se.

THE ENHANCED LEARNING CURVE

Present day parents are more discerning and aware considering that preschools play such an important role in development – the expectations are high and the perceived needs of the parents are more spatial than ever before. The new age expectations from a preschool are more than a safe and mere academic institution. The expectations from the modern day preschool need to encompass some or more of the following:

An institution which could inculcate spatial personality development

Preschools with a reputation and a prestigious name

Aligned to the perceived needs of the parents – be it religious or values driven

Wood Dolls Culture Montessori Preschool World Earth Toy
US $16.50

Dinosaur Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle Toy Montessori toys
US $17.99

Butterfly Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle toy Montessori toys A Z
US $17.99

Melissa and Doug Learn to Count Abacus Montessori Toy
US $11.99

26pc Set Montessori Wood Math Blocks Pegboard Toy NEW
US $9.99

Lacing Sneaker montessori learning toy age 3 NEW 3018
US $8.99

Montessori Educational Toy Bear Math Balance
US $8.99

SEE INSIDE ALPHABET Wooden puzzle montessori toy 3272
US $5.50

Availability in synchronicity with the work schedules of the parent(s)

The Curriculum – well-structured or play-based method depending on the preferences of parents

Feedback – present day decisions are strongly driven by feedback – even more so for preschools considering it is important to assimilate and analyze the real time experiences of parents and children

THE OPTIONS

The present day Preschools could well be demarcated:

The traditional half –day school program being in alignment with those not wanting to overburden the child very early in life

A school with a full-day program - as in a state-sponsored program which would predictably be the option of choice if both parents or single parents work all day

The religious school environs could well be need of offering a non-secular environment

Discerning parents then would address this critical decision conscientiously, considering that it entails enormous planning and judicious decision-making which invariably begins with identification of preschools, followed by an in–depth researching of facilities and track record of the institutions – moderated by the feedback of others and finally conclude based on the personal real time visit perceptions before making the decision.

What do you think? Please comment below to tell me.

Montessori Toy – The Importance of Adult Participation in Child Play

howbabylearns — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 02:40:30 +0000

Montessori Toy - The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights states that every child has a right to play, just as he or she has a right to life, education, and health. Theorists such as Lev Vygotsky claim play helps children increase their ability to interact with others, practice taking on different roles, and develop creativity. Above all, through play, children master new skills and learn new information about the world.

Parents and Guilt
Too often, parents misunderstand studies about the benefits of play. They end up feeling guilty that they are not doing enough to guide their children's development. They worry that if they do not supply their children with the right play experiences at the right ages, their children will fall behind other children, fail at school, and ultimately fail at life!

Soon learning becomes a competition. By controlling the way their children play, parents attempt to attain a specific result-quantifiable success. Afraid that skipping any one activity will put their child behind other children, parents sign their child up for everything and fill any free time left with rote flashcard drills.

Activities such as ballet lessons, music lessons, karate lessons, foreign language classes, and participation in sports teams are all wonderful taken one or two at a time. However, if you pile too many on at once, you neglect one of the most important developmental opportunities that you can offer your child-open-ended, child-driven play that is shared at certain times with you.

The Benefits of Play
Children learn essential life skills by copying adult role models. From the moment your child is born, you are their first and best toy and playmate. As they grow older, connecting with them through shared play experiences strengthens the bond between parent and child and keeps lines of communication open even when daily schedules become more hectic and time together harder to arrange.

However, children also need time and space to explore the world and their imaginations by themselves. Adults must never take over playtime and direct a child's every action. As Kenneth R. Ginsburg (associate professor of Pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine) and two committees for the American Academy of Pediatrics wrote in a recent clinical report, "When play is controlled by adults, children acquiesce to adult rules and concerns and lose some benefits of play, particularly in developing creativity, leadership and group skills."

Choosing and using appropriate toys can help you understand when to engage actively in play with your child and when to let your child take charge.

Montessori Educational Toy Bear Math Balance
US $8.99

MONTESSORI Wooden CLOCK Movable Hands EDUCATIONAL TOY
US $87.28

Montessori Educational Toy Super Mind Tiles
US $21.99

MONTESSORI FLOWER Wooden Knob Puzzle Educational Toy
US $33.07

MONTESSORI LEAF Wooden Knob Puzzle Educational Toy NEW
US $33.07

MONTESSORI TREE Wooden Knob Puzzle Educational Toy NEW
US $33.07

Montessori Educational Toy Monkey Bananas Math Balance
US $16.99

Active Interaction
For many toys, both you and your child must take an active role because the toy requires at least two players. For younger children, you can both take an active role in rolling or throwing balls back and forth. For older children, sports equipment such as bats, mitts, soccer balls, basketballs, and footballs can lead to hours of fun, physical activity, and unobtrusive lessons in taking turns, following the rules, good sportsmanship, and (if you play together against another opponent) cooperation and communication. Multi-player games (such as chess, checkers, Monopoly, or Jenga) can also reinforce these lessons.

Active Modeling and Passive Following
Childhood should be a journey, not a race, with plenty of time allowed along the way for investigations and discoveries. Get for your child what the American Academy of Pediatrics calls "true toys," ones that lead to open-ended play instead of one or two closed-ended outcomes that a child is rushed to master. Such toys include blocks, building sets such as Legos, costumes and props for dress-up and role-playing, dolls and puppets, people and animal figurines, toy playsets, play food, and toy vehicles.

With these sorts of open-ended toys, sit back at first and let your child examine them before you jump in with directions, instructions, or suggestions. Never assume there is only one right way to play with a toy. It is fine if your child serves building blocks for tea in teacups or tucks trucks into doll beds for naps. Providing your child with the physical and mental space needed to play around with the idea that these objects can be anything is exactly what your child needs.

Unless your child's play turns destructive, allow your child to take the lead when playing together with these toys. You can play alongside your child, but do not upstage or correct him or her. For role-playing, let your child assign the roles. Often, children want to be in power and order adults around in ways not allowed in real-life.

Pay attention to your child's interests and abilities and select toys accordingly. If your child does ask you for help, then you can model how to act out a certain scenario or demonstrate a useful strategy for connecting parts of a puzzle or a building set (for example, solving a puzzle by assembling its border first). If you notice your child is growing frustrated with a toy, evaluate whether the task at hand is too difficult. Perhaps the toy will be more appropriate a few months or even a year later.

One of the best things you can do during imaginative play is to help your child develop language skills. Comment on what your child is doing to introduce new vocabulary, saying things such as, "I see you parked the red tractor by the green block." Or you can gently encourage your child to talk about what he or she is pretending, asking questions such as, "What are you dressed as? What do you think a fairy/doctor/astronaut does?"

Solo Play
Some toys are great for a child to play with alone-those with what Montessori theorists call "control of error," where a child can tell by himself or herself if he or she is completing it correctly or incorrectly. It is good for a child to play imaginatively with the pieces of such a toy in ways different from the stated purpose of the toy, but it is also beneficial for him or her to figure out how to stack, order, or assemble it the right way. Toys of this sort include stackers, sorters, and puzzles. Parents can offer help if requested, but otherwise allow your child to master the toy alone and in his or her own time.

Many arts and crafts activities such as drawing, painting, beading, and clay play are also best pursued almost entirely alone by a child. As Susan Striker, author of Young at Art and the Anti-Coloring Book series, says, when children see an adult draw or create something, often they focus on copying that over and over to please the adult instead of developing their own, individual creativity.

Striker champions letting children make their own discoveries about each medium, regardless of the mess. That said, tidier parents can safely allow themselves to at least explain to a child how to use the materials, and then they can step back and let the child create whatever he or she wishes. An adult should never step in and correct a child when a child is creating art. It does not matter if lines are not drawn straight or if a clay person is missing feet. The process of creating, not the final product, is the important part at this stage.

What You Can Do
As a parent, you can help children develop in so many ways. Play expert B. Caldwell notes that parents can support play by providing "time, space, materials, or social partners [such as siblings]." Just always keep in mind that, as Ginsburg says, the best way to ensure that your child develops into a wonderful adult is to "[share] pleasurable time together."

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Montessori Educational Toys – 7 Tips for Raising a Genius and a Healthy Child

howbabylearns — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 02:40:53 +0000

Montessori Educational Toys - I read a lots of article about child geniuses... The fact is most of children are geniuses when born. I strongly believe this when I start to observe how my children developed since zero days old. I have also read many books about how to train and teach or perhaps enhance they genius ability during early childhood stage. I can conclude that all our children are geniuses!

Here, I share my 7 Tips:

Tips #1 Antenatal and postnatal counseling or training.

Parents should attend postnatal classes during pregnancy of 5 months above. This is good for both baby and parents to prepare for arrival of the new baby. At the same time, mommy can learn and understand earlier about pregnancy to reduce the discomforts feeling during pregnancy.

Tips #2 Sign up for postnatal exercise, such as pregnancy yoga.

Find professional exercise coaching by a Physiotherapist. Learn do to safe exercises during pregnancy can help your body balance and calm your baby mind in your womb. An aternative way is to buy pregnancy yoga book from a book store at your neighborhood.

Tips #3 Breast Feeding your child at least 100 days upon birth.

Breast milk is the best for baby. Lots of article mentioned about the nutrition from breast milk, it's natural and it's the most basic food for all new born babies.

Tips #4 Basic nutrition for baby starting with solid food.

Pick nutritional food that is easy to digest such as carrot, potato. It helps your baby to have healthy teeth and skin, plus increase your child analytical skills. Apple or grapes juice can be as supplement drinks besides breast milk.

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MONTESSORI Wooden CLOCK Movable Hands EDUCATIONAL TOY
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Montessori Educational Toy Super Mind Tiles
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MONTESSORI FLOWER Wooden Knob Puzzle Educational Toy
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Tips #5 Display colorful toys or pictures in baby room wall

Display many colorful toys or pictures to develop your baby's eye focus and mind concentration. You have to change the position once a while to catch your baby attention and thinking.

Tips #6 Play a variety of foreign languages songs CD

During nap time, play a series of different languages music. When your baby is grown, they will be able to learn foreign languages without any difficulty, possible will be very good in speech and self expressing.

Tips #7 Right brain kids education

Parents if you have planned for your child education financial budget, try to enroll your child n enrichment course for right brain kids education. From the course you can learn more on how to train your toddler at home. Some methods from Montessori also very good in helping parent to teach at home.

Hope above tips are useful especially for 1st time parents!