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


  • Rethink how you fire up the grill

    Cook up some hearty fruit for a change of pace

    Grilling is popular during the warm months simply for the vast amount of different foods that can be created and devoured, plus you’re outside enjoying the sunshine. read more »
  • How women can optimize health to combat cardiovascular disease

    What you need to know

    The threat of heart disease and stroke is growing substantially among women and girls as rates climb for health factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity, with 6 in 10 U.S. women projected to have at least one type of cardiovascular disease (CVD) by 2050. read more »
  • Heart risks go beyond the heart

    Don't forget to check blood sugar and kidney health

    Diabetes and kidney disease are major risk factors for heart disease, yet many cases are undiagnosed. In fact, most people don’t realize their heart, kidney and metabolic health – how the body creates, uses and stores energy – are connected. read more »
  • 9 steps for a lifetime of heart-healthy eating

    Simple ways to improve your family's diet

    More than half of adults and about 60% of children in the United States have unhealthy diets, which can contribute to higher rates of health factors such as high blood pressure and obesity. read more »
  • Spend a night out with your kids – in the backyard!

    Camping…long-lasting memories with these family fun activities

    Have a blast. Camp close to home. Enjoy the full benefits of a camping trip in your backyard (or neighborhood), complete with a stocked fridge and indoor plumbing. read more »
  • 5 warm weather skin care tips

    Summer heat requires more hydration

    Although it's often overlooked, skin is an essential organ that needs special attention and care. After all, not only does your skin tell the true story of your health and age, it provides a protective barrier to the rest of your body. read more »
  • Recipes from "The Catskills Farm to Table Cookbook" by Courtney Wade

    Enjoy these recipes shared by Courtney

    Courtney Wade scoured Hudson Valley, New York farms for the best produced produce and meats. From her collection she created fabulous recipes, many easy to make and delicious to taste read more »
  • Cooking helps kids develop cognitive and hand skills

    Toddlers, pre-schoolers, and kids with special needs can benefit from helping parents cook

    Cooking is not just a fun activity for parents and children to do together. Focus on specific actions to help your child develop fine motor control, while drawing out other learning opportunities. read more »
  • Should your child have a smartphone?

    It depends on maturity, specific needs, and parental groundwork

    Many adults consider smartphones indispensable, but there are reasons to keep them away from kids. At what point do the benefits outweigh the drawbacks for young people? read more »
  • Squiggles to Words: The Emergent Writer

    Children begin mastering writing skills earlier than you think

    Learning to read and write is a complex task, but the wonder is children are thrilled to learn this skill. The trick is to keep a balance of drill and practice kinds of lessons with a higher proportion of authentic writing tasks. Filling in a worksheet on the letter ‘b’ is far less productive than actually writing about a ball or balloon. read more »