Practical Play Mates: Toys for the Developing Child

Simple reflexes occur in babies from 0-2 months of age and focuses on activities such as grasping and sucking. A toy that is well suited to stimulate the Simple Reflexes stage is Baby Gymtastics 3-in-1 Rockin' Gym by Fisher Price costing $49.99. Baby Gymtastics 3-in-1 Rockin’ Gym is a floor gym, a musical rocker, and take-along musical fun - all in one! Overhead gym plays music to an entertaining light show, with movable toys to reach and bat. This product easily converts to a ride-on rocker, rewarding movement with lively, energetic music with dancing lights. A parent can create an assortment of active and entertaining adventures. This toy is versatile and can change and be rearranged in a way that's just right for your baby's stage of physical development, keeping the play fresh and exciting every time!

First habits and Primary Circular Reactions occur from 2-4 months and reflexive behaviors transpire in stereotyped repetition such as opening and closing fingers repetitively. For $19.99, I found a baby hoops game that magically rewards babies for ball-drop play. For the sitting baby the hoop sways on a roly-poly base. As baby tosses one of the 3 soft balls through the hoop, 1 of 3 lively tunes plays while the 2 colored lights dance. The balls swirl around in the base. For the crawling or walking baby, the base flips over to allow the balls to roll free following each "score," encouraging baby to crawl. Built-in activities include a twirling cheetah character on one arm and 2 roller beads on the other.

Secondary Circular Reactions ranges from 4-8 months of age. T.M.X." Elmo will tickle America's funny bone with three interactive tickle spots on his chin, tummy and toe. When kids tickle Elmo once on any of the tickle spots, he starts to laugh and slap his leg twice, then falls down into a sitting position and rocks himself back up to standing while laughing. When they tickle him a second time, he repeats the pattern even more, then sits down again and falls backwards onto his back and starts kicking his feet while laughing even harder. He then stands back up and asks to be tickled again. And on the third tickle he absolutely lets loose going through the first two patterns and then rolling over onto his tummy where he starts hitting the floor with his hand in gales of laughter, then rolling onto his back, standing up again, and ending with a deep sigh.

Coordination of Secondary Reactions lasts from 8-12 months of age Sale $21.95 instead of $24.95. The toy that I believe suites this developmental stage is Peek A Boo! Monkey Jack in a Box. This unique Jack in the Box features a colorful monkey who has a special surprise! Magnets in his hands allow him to play Peek-a-boo with you.
Tertiary Circular Reactions novelty and curiosity ranges from 12-18 months of age. This Unit Blocks 45 Piece Set is $74.99. Our European quality unit blocks are made to resist dents and dings. You'll notice the difference. Our blocks are finely sanded and rounded to eliminate any sharp edges, and are splinter-free to protect tender young hands. All our blocks are guaranteed for life.

Internalization of schemes lasts from about 18-24 months of age. Adults and children can create a read-along Sesame Street® book with your child as the star! Nothing will engage your toddler or preschooler more in letter, name or word recognition than this Sesame and Me story where your child appears alongside his or her favorite Sesame Street® characters!