The ideal toy for a child is based on the ability of the toy to capture and retain the interest of the child as well as the ability of the child to actually play with the toy. Between the ages of zero to six months, selecting a good toy for a child is more of a psychological than practical endeavor (Carson et al, 2015) . This is because it is during this age that children discover, both themselves and the environment around them. The discovery of the self involves inter alia understanding sight and seen objects, perceiving sounds as well as learning to touch and grasp, even as the hand moves from being a mere clenched fist (Carson et al, 2015) . The selection of toys for this age, therefore, need to be centered on these fundamental prerequisites.
Description of Two Toys
Colorful Teething Rings
Teething is one of the major milestones for infants and begins as early as three months, thus falling within the dispensation of zero to six months. However, it can also be a nightmare for parent and child due to the kindred discomfort (Harms et al, 2017) . The colorful teething rings operate as both a toy and a remedy for part of the discomfort of teething. Among the brands found at Walmart carries a great resemblance to a set of keys on a key ring. However, the ring, as well as the keys, are made of soft brightly multi-colored rubber. The general idea is for the child to both play with it with the hands as well as put it in the mouth and chew on it. Children at this age have a small attention span and are very shifty with their eyes. They will, therefore, need a sharply visible stimulus to capture their attention. The colors on the key ring seem capable of capturing and retaining this attention. Then the size and texture of the toy make it easy to handle and light to lift for the little hands. This will enhance the attention of the child towards the toy and also make it easy to lift to the mouth. Being made of rubber, the toy cannot easily harm the child and is also easy to clean. This is definitely a toy I would consider to purchase, more so for a child between three to six months.
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Lightweight Rattles
Another vital stimuli that a child develops between the ages of zero to six months are hearing and paying attention to sounds (Sosa, 2016) . This is over and above sight and touch. The lightweight rattles are designed to combine the important developmental elements of sight, touch, grasp as well as hearing in a child. The samples found at Walmart entailed a small circular ring, a kin to an anklet complete with beads. The ring, as well as the beads, were made of several bring colors such as blue, green and purple. The ring itself was extremely light in weight and when moved, even slightly produces a soft chiming sounds. The harder it is shaken, the louder the chimes. The idea behind the toy is for the child to be attracted by the sight of the toy more so the bring colors. The ring shape and light weight will make it easy to grasp and also move. The initial movement will create a chime that will enhance attention causing the child to repeat it. Eventually, the child will be able to relate the chimes with the shaking of the toy. This will result both in keeping the child occupied and entertained as well as aiding in development. This makes for another toy that I would consider buying for an infant from as early an age as zero months.
References
Carson, V., Kuzik, N., Hunter, S., Wiebe, S. A., Spence, J. C., Friedman, A., ... & Hinkley, T. (2015). Systematic review of sedentary behavior and cognitive development in early childhood. Preventive Medicine , 78 , 115-122
Harms, T., Cryer, D., Clifford, R. M., & Yazejian, N. (2017). Infant/toddler environment rating scale . New York: Teachers College Press
Sosa, A. V. (2016). Association of the type of toy used during play with the quantity and quality of parent-infant communication. JAMA Pediatrics , 170 (2), 132-137
