Home and Family     Early Education    

Great gear to help babies meet developmental milestones



3 top suggestions

Help your baby reach their milestones

As most new parents quickly learn, babies are constantly examining their surroundings and taking in the world around them, especially during play time. That’s why it’s so important that you have toys on hand to help them meet their developmental milestones. Here are a few to consider:

Play Gym

A multi-stage play gym can help your baby achieve their motor-skill milestones. Designed for ages 0-24 months, the Kick & Score Playgym is a great one to consider. During floor time, your baby can kick at the ball and bat at the mobile’s dangling shapes. As your baby strengthens core muscles during tummy time, they can stay mentally active and engaged, enjoying colorful characters, a dumbbell rattle, a twist-and-click kettle ball, color cards and more. Finally, during seated play, an interactive learning panel teaches colors, shapes and animals, and reinforces language skills. And because the panel detaches, you can take it along for on-the-go play and exploration.


Tummy Time Pillows

Tummy time has many important benefits for babies, and now you can support these crucial sessions with the Tummy Time Discovery Pillow by VTech, which is designed for little ones 0-24 months. This soft giraffe-shaped pillow provides comfortable support for your baby as they begin strengthening their neck muscles during tummy time and while learning to sit on their own. As your child grows, it’s great for take-along play. Its multiple textures, patterns and colors offer visual and tactile stimulation, and its light-up piano keys introduce numbers, colors, shapes, animals and music.

Learning Toys

The best toys for babies offer sights and sounds to capture their interest. They should also be able to be used in a variety of settings to keep kids entertained. For example, the Turn & Learn Ferris Wheel, for babies 6-24 months, spins, lights up, plays songs and more. It also teaches important vocabulary basics -- kids can push the lion, zebra and elephant buttons to hear the animals introduce themselves, numbers and objects. Best of all? When you stick the suction cup on a highchair tray or any smooth surface, it will stay put so you don’t have to keep picking it up off the floor.

Whether you’re building a registry or wanting to round out your baby gear wisely, be sure to select toys that actively engage your child and encourage them to explore new skills.

(StatePoint) 


Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »
  • How women experience heart disease differently

    Symptoms are not always obvious

    Most people think of heart attacks as debilitating pain in the chest. However, that’s not always the case, especially for women, and missing the signs can be a matter of life and death. read more »
  • Serve a simple pasta salad this summer

    A quick and easy dish your family will love

    Some summertime dishes are just too good to be true. This Easy Pasta Salad is simple enough to become a favorite side and filling enough to serve as a light main course. read more »
  • Combatting Cracked Concrete

    Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

    Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time. read more »
  • A Step-By-Step Guide to Changing Your Own Oil

    It's easier than you think

    Changing your vehicle’s oil is a crucial maintenance task that can extend its life and improve performance. It’s also a task many DIYers can handle on their own with just a few tools. read more »
  • Create a Cozy Outdoor Space with a Backyard Firepit

    Time to make a warm and inviting outdoor retreat

    A firepit can serve as a warm and inviting backyard retreat, perfect for roasting marshmallows for s’mores or stargazing while wrapped in cozy blankets. read more »
  • Phones Down, Eyes Up™

    Campaign to reduce distractions and increase water safety

    May’s National Water Safety Month, the campaign aims to reduce distractions and improve water safety awareness, specifically targeting families as they head to pools and waterfronts this summer. read more »
  • Enjoy a light summer lunch

    Make broccoli the star of this dish

    Try this broccoli salad. It makes an ideal light lunch or simple summer side. read more »
  • Turn a Favorite Spring Veggie into a Stellar Soup

    Carrots are the star of this dish

    If you’re in need of a soup outside the usual mushroom or celery varieties, turn to another springtime favorite: carrots. read more »