The Top Developmental Toys for Babies 2022 (Why Baby Walkers are DANGEROUS!)

[@rachelm3976]

Sophie, you have really made me feel happy, I worried for months that I wasn’t doing enough activities with my baby (she’s now over 2) and as an early years practitioner I felt so guilty that I wasn’t doing enough. She wasn’t interested in toys, she was interested in me, and I knew as a professional and my gut instinct as a mum that that was ok, that she was learning all she needed through interacting with me and singing with me and the stories I read to her and how I talked to her all the time. I followed your classes though, and she loved them! And you saying that now, in hindsight, I can finally give myself a pat on the back and say ‘well done, you did a good job’. Sometimes it takes years for us to be able to do that, and your encouragement has really helped me to let go of that guilt I didn’t even need to hold onto in the first place. Thank you!!

[@SophiePickles]

I love this! Thanks so much for sharing, Rachel. I know exactly how you feel because I feel that way too - I'm sure we all do. As EYs professionals I think we can be so hard on ourselves that sometimes it helps to take a step back and look at all the things we DO rather than those few things we don't xx

[@abi-roseconway6150]

Can I offer another perspective on your second point about toys with buttons? My toddler is autistic and the cause and effect aspect of button toys combined with the sensory appeal make him happy. Open ended toys are amazing don't get me wrong, but can also be frustrating for some children.

[@SophiePickles]

A great perspective. We certainly have these toys at home and they do have their place but it's good to have a balance isn't it 😀 Posting boxes, spinning tops and other non- battery operated toys can have great cause and effect benefits too 🙌🏻

[@hcarey372]

I was thinking of getting 8mo the cart with blocks for Christmas, mostly because I used to love using mine to build towers and put things in and out of the cart... Reconsider? 🤔

[@SophiePickles]

I think that as long as they aren't using it to learn to walk then it's fine. The ones you are talking about are really great once they are confident walkers because toddlers absolutely love transporting things from one place to another. If they are going to be using it before starting to walk confidently, I'd just make sure you are closely supervising as they are quite prone to tipping over or scooting forwards meaning that the baby ends up falling forwards. Xx

[@hcarey372]

@@SophiePickles hmmm maybe I should hold off until after his first birthday at least in that case and just get some stacking cups for now! Thank you 💕

[@SophiePickles]

@@hcarey372 🥰

[@hcarey372]

Sorry Sophie, any thoughts on a ball pit instead?

[@thatgirlintheglasses4780]

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[@danb.2613]

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