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The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), a professional membership organization that promotes high-quality early learning for infants to 8-year-olds, has a series of recommended, age-appropriate toys to help your child develop at his or her individual pace. Read this guide to find the perfect items and toy ideas for each stage of your baby’s development. Infants Through 6 Months At this stage in your baby’s development, he or she will enjoy bright colors, distinct patterns, looking at people, and textures. Look for toys they can reach for and grab,and baby-safe items with faces. Specifically, NAEYC suggests rings, rattles, soft squeeze toys, and textured toys. Babies will also enjoy simple songs and mirrors that they can follow themselves in. At this stage, soft baby blankets are a perfect way to introduce touchable, natural fabric into your baby’s playtime, cuddling time, and story time. Look for blankets that are machine washabl

You inevitably have a lot on your to-do list to get ready for your little one, and picking out a nursery theme is likely high on that list. These four baby- and adult-friendly nursery themes will provide decorating inspiration that both you and your baby will love. Adult- and Baby-Friendly Colors Research has shown that a baby’s sense of sight takes six to eight months to develop. In the first month or two, your baby will likely prefer black, white, and simple patterns, followed by brightly distinguished colors over the next few months of developmental learning. If painting your nursery black sounds unsettling, use soft classic colors like pink, blue, or gray to help your baby along as they learn to identify distinct colors. Add brightly colored toys, blankets, or burp cloths with distinct patterns that will keep your baby engaged and transfixed. If you have a favorite color, incorporate that into the nursery as well. A brightly colored chair or a statement l