Final answer:
Appropriate infant toys include textured toys, bouncers with springs, and soft blocks, while activities like tummy time, reading, and sand or water play promote development. It's essential to ensure that toys and activities are safe to minimize exposure to toxic substances and encourage a healthy environment for growth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Appropriate Infant Toys and Activities
When selecting toys for infants, it's crucial to choose ones that are safe and promote healthy development. Some examples of suitable toys include:
Textured toys that are easy to grasp and explore with the hands and mouth, which aid in sensory development.
Bouncers with spring, such as the one depicted in Figure 16.46, which entertain infants and encourage physical movement.
Soft blocks and stacking cups, which help develop motor skills and an understanding of cause and effect.
Activities for infants also play a vital role in development:
Tummy time promotes physical development and strengthens the back, neck, and shoulder muscles.
Reading aloud fosters language acquisition and cognitive development.
Playing with sand or water introduces tactile sensations and can teach basic concepts such as full and empty.
It's important to ensure that toys and play activities are safe, especially since infants explore the world by putting objects in their mouths. This minimizes the risk of exposure to toxic substances and promotes a healthy environment for growth.
Structured activities such as interactive storytime or music classes can be beneficial too. However, it's essential to prioritize play that stimulates the senses and encourages curiosity. This supports infant development in numerous ways, such as fostering creativity and problem-solving skills.