In the first few weeks, your baby won’t really need toys, you will be the focus of attention and he will want to be close to you. However there are toys to boost development that your baby will enjoy looking at and before long he’ll be playing with them too.

Mobile - attach a colourful or black and white mobile to your baby’s cot so that it turns around above your baby’s head. Some mobiles also play music.

Baby Gym - an activity arch with toys hanging from the bars – some also have lights and sounds.

Play Mat - bright coloured padded mat with different textures to feel, maybe a squeaky button and flaps to lift up.

Safety Mirror – put a safe baby mirror in your baby’s cot so he can explore his face.

Wrist rattle – this attaches to your baby’s wrist with Velcro and she will enjoy the jingling noise as she moves her arm.

Pram beads – a row of toys strung on elastic that you can hook across your baby’s pram or pushchair.

Noisy Toys – toys that squeak when squeezed or rattle when shaken.

Glove and Finger Puppets – your baby will love looking at the faces of finger puppets and you can bring them to life by moving your fingers and telling a story.

IMPORTANT Be very careful when choosing toys for your baby, be warned that everything they come into contact with will go into their mouth, so anything with small parts is unsuitable.