Vintage Dollhouse

Isn't this dollhouse absolutely gorgeous? Oh that wooden ladder and dresser!! Wish I could be shrunk right now.

Choosing the right toy for your child

I am a firm believer that children learn most through play. Giving appropriate toys to a baby stimulates his/ her learning potential. Studies have shown that suitable infant educational toys play an important role in baby's early development. Bright colors, interesting patterns and variety of shapes help stimulate and appeal to the developing senses of your little one.

Here are some pointers, which will help you in knowing and selecting the perfect educational infant toy for your infant.

1. Sight. Research has shown that baby’ eyes are immature at birth and can only focus on contrasting colors like black and white. However, as they grow, they are attracted to bright primary colors. Chose brightly coloured toys such as this and this that are easy to gasp and most importantly safe for your child to chew on.

2. Touch. As your infant grows his/her sense of touch is more developed and this is evident when he starts fiddling with things. When you notice this, it’s important for you to introduce different kinds of textures such as this and this to your baby to stimulate his sense of touch.

3. Hearing. Studies have shown that babies respond well to sounds even before birth. Music can soothe your baby during uncomfortable times. Consider getting a musical toy with a gentle tune to play for your baby even before birth. They will continue to be comforted by the familiar melody they hear from your womb even after they are born. Rattles are also helpful in stimulating baby’s eyes and ears, while at the same time encouraging your little one to lift his/her arms and feet.

4. Taste. You will also notice at one point that your baby will enjoy putting things in their mouths. This is a natural reflex and an important part of their development. Chewing on different materials and shapes stimulates the periodontal membrane under the teeth. This helps promote jaw development which is essential as they start on semi-solid food. It is important to choose teethers that are made from non-toxic materials and are appropriately sized for baby's mouth and hands.

Treepee

With the timeless appeal of a tree house + the excitement of a trampoline, the ‘Treepee’ is an exciting new product that creates a whole world of possibilities and play. Children can be zipped safely inside and experience a the excitment of tumbling without any parents worry of them falling. Would even be fun to camp out in the garden in one of these with your best friend! Ah...the joys of childhood...

Doll Houses

I had blogged about these magical doll houses at Laissezfaire. There are three different room sizes and 4 different wall colors to choose from. You can even get modern furniture and dolls for decorating and playing. Available at Hase Weiss, a Berlin-based kids toy and furniture company.

I also love another simpler dollhouse design by Designer Jeanette. The Constantine Dollhouse designs are handmade with plywood and Unica wallpaper. You can even make special color requests. Available at Kidsmodern. (Via Design Crush)

For nolstalgic sake!

I had this Snoopy Sno Cone Maker when I was growing up. This gadget comes with a metal ice shaver, one syrup bottle (the jolly snowman) one package of unsweetened soft drink mix, paper cups, scoop and instructions. It was the closest thing I had to snow and homemade ice kachang in Singapore. If you are looking for a gift for a 5-8 year old, think this will be perfect! Anyone had this when they were young too?

Foldschool

I am always on the lookout for creative ways to play with Vera. Really think these cardboard toys by Foldschool are so fun and creative! Created by a Swiss-based architect Nicola Enrico Stäubli, Foldschool has downloadable patterns and a manual to create cool DIY cardboard furniture for kids.

Drinking from the bucket

For some reason, Vera likes the bucket the most out of all her toys. She would spend endless time just fiddling with it and pretending to drink from it.

Dr Sears Top Ten Tips for Interactive Play

1. Floor play is fun for two in the early months. Get down on your baby's level for daily interactive playtime.

2. Visual stimulation is important in the early months. Surround your baby with black and white stripes and contrasting patterns.

3. Rhythm and music promote intellectual development. Sing, clap, and dance together everyday.

4. Ball play uses various skills simultaneously. Join your baby on the floor daily for some bouncing and rolling fun.

5. Stay animated during playtime. Exaggerate your facial expressions and voice to your baby's delight.

6. You're never too busy that you can't take at least a few minutes every day for some fun playtime for two.

7. Toys aren't just for keeping your baby busy. Nothing brings a toy to life better than a creatively involved parent.

8. Imagination opens your child's playtime to whole new worlds. Join in yourself and show your child you can be a kid too.

9. Reading to your child is a treasured bedtime ritual. Start this together time early on so your baby will grow to enjoy story time with mom or dad.

10. Bath time can be so much more than a quick wash and dry. Take your time and enjoy some splashing fun with your child.

{tips from Ask Dr Sears}