Most parents want to give their children a head start and a leg up in life. But this does not mean we should buy every toy that has the word 'educational' on the label. Instead, the main point to keep in mind is that we are looking for toys for babies, so we are talking about children who are, at the most, eighteen months old. We will break this discussion down into three stages.

0-6 Months
This first stage is probably the most difficult stage to buy toys for. By the end of this stage, baby only has a little motor control. Thus, the simplest toys which are easy to hold with one tiny hand are the best option for toys for baby to use.

Another thing to keep in mind is that baby may start teething, and will want to put anything she gets hold of into the mouth. So provide toys that are not overly small and will not break.

Finally, the best educational baby toy for this baby is a parent. Parent-baby interaction, such as reading, dancing and singing promote confidence and interest in the world.

7-12 Months
Babies at this age are learning to hold, lift things to their mouth, move on their own, and interact more with the world around them. What is more, they are getting teeth and by the end of this stage may have a few words or quasi-words they use to communicate.

It is vital to make sure that toys for babies this age do not have paint or something else that they can chew or scrape off with teeth, so stick to hard plastics or soft, tough rubber toys. Toys can have moving parts and sounds, but these are mostly wasted on babies this age. Toys and books with simple shapes and bright colors are best.

At this stage, as with the earlier stage, parent-baby interaction will be the most educational activity for baby. Reading books, playing with simple toys such as blocks and balls, singing songs: all of these will benefit your baby. Motor and analytical skills are developed through these activities.

13-18 Months
Usually, at this stage, baby is getting around on his own. Most babies make the transition from crawling to walking during this stage, so some of the best toys for them help them with this transition. Thus, a tough, colorful walker can be a helpful toy.

The same warnings apply to this stage as to the previous one: no paint or other materials that baby can chew or swallow. Wooden blocks should wait, as determined babies have no trouble getting bits of wood chewed off.

Toys with simple, moving parts can be good at this stage. There are some nice fabric toys with straps and holes of different shapes and sizes that both keep baby's interest and encourage understanding of the world. Some musical toys might be beneficial, but baby usually will still not be able to interact fully with these items.

With all three stages, it is important to remember that pressure never helps learning, and babies love repetition. So when you start a game with your tyke, be prepared to continue it if she gets into it. Studies have shown that giving babies a head start educationally has far more to do with parent-child interaction than toys

Learn more about this author, Jared Garrett.
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