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Great Toys for Infants:

To determine which infant toys top the list, I didn't have to look any further than the most particular connoisseur of infant toys, my 4 month-old-daughter, Keri. In general, from a Mom's point-of-view, the best toys are ones that are colorful (attention-getting) and interactive so that the baby's actions (reaching or grabbing) is rewarded instantly (attention-keeping) with upbeat music or a fun noise like a rattle of some sort. Keri's top picks in each of five categories are listed below.

1. Play time on the living room floor:

There is one toy in particular that makes her laugh a hearty belly laugh and I am quite sure she truly is "playing" and having a ball with it, and that is The Miracles and Milestones Animal Friends Musical Gym, made by Fisher-Price. I wish that I could take credit for finding this gem, but it was a gift from my sister-in-law who is now pregnant with her sixth child, so there is something to be said for experience.

The gym comes with a nice comfortable mat to lay the child on her back, looking up at really cute and colorful animals that dangle from an overhead arch. In addition to the toys, there is a mirror positioned so that she can see herself and as she reaches up and grabs at the toys, and they play music. I highly recommend this toy to anyone, and it does not cost an arm and a leg, it is in the $40.00 price range.

2. Play time in the crib:

Also in the same line of Miracles and Milestones toys is the Peek-A-Boo piano, which attaches to the side of her crib. It has several options, it can be set to play notes when the keys are pressed (or kicked depending on where you position it on the crib) or it can play songs, like This Old Man. There's a little chick above the keyboard and he even flaps his little wings and it lights up too. This toy is in the $30.00 price range.

3. Play time on the go:

When Keri and I leave the house, we both have our own set of keys. Her set is bigger than mine; The Laugh & Learn Learning Keys, by Fisher-Price are 4 activity sets on one key ring which we attach to the diaper bag. Each of her keys' is a different color and has an activity and a sound to go with it. The blue one, with a picture of a boat on it, has rattling beads, and the orange one has a car that spins and clicks. Best of all, it is in the $10.00 price range.

4. Play time at bath time:

Brainy Baby bath time fun book is a water resistant book made of non-toxic vinyl (so it is safe) and can go in the water. Mostly it gets wet and she puts it in her mouth, she hasn't quite gotten the hang of how to read yet, but it works to keep her distracted when it comes to hair-rinsing time. The book is under $10.00.

5. Best Pal to Sleep With:

Musical Lamb by Eden Toys, for newborns, and I have a feeling she will love this little lamb forever. It is fluffy white sherpa (sherpa is a knit fabric, like a baby blanket) with a pretty blue satin ribbon. You wind it up and it plays Mary Had A Little Lamb. Keri loves it. Actually, I think I need to find another one to have on hand just in case because everywhere that Keri went her lamb had better go (if we ever misplace her lamb, there may be some sleepless nights ahead for the entire family). The lamb was in the $25.00 range and worth every penny.

Learn more about this author, Gretchen Lorraine Hillcrest.
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