Stimulating Gifts for Babies and Toddlers Developmen

RRI.CO.ID . Jakarta: Choosing the perfect gift for children from 0 to 3 years old can be a challenge. As a neuropsychologist, Sylvie Chokron, as quoted by a France’s magazine, shares her tips on selecting gifts that truly stimulate their intellectual and motor development.

At this age, children are like sponges, absorbing everything around them. Between 0 and 5 months, they develop their perception, starting with visual perception. To help with this process, expose them to objects, card games, or soft toys with strong contrasts: black and white until 3 months, then several contrasting colors and varied patterns.

As they grow, they discover touch, a precious sense that acts as a compass for them to understand and recognize the world around them. A sensory book is an excellent learning tool, rich in images and textures. The more varied the textures, the better!

Around the age of one, children reach a key stage of manipulation. They discover the coordination between what they see and what they produce, understanding that their actions have meaning. Offer them games and toys to grasp, with a specific end goal: to make a sound, an image, a smell, or a texture appear.

Reading is essential from a very young age, contributing to language acquisition and cognitive and emotional skills. Share books with your child, pointing to images and naming them. Some books even include sounds to trigger or smells to discover.

Audio players like Lunii, Yoto, or Tonies are great tools, enriching a child's auditory attention and comprehension from as early as 12 months. However, remember that listening to an audio story doesn't mean being inactive – the child must be able to talk, move, and interact with the adult.

As children discover locomotion, introduce them to walking aids like baby walkers and balance bikes, essential for learning balance and walking. Wooden ride-on toys that can be pushed or wheeled are also great options.

From the age of two, toddlers can focus on improving their dexterity and hand-eye coordination. Engage them in activities like skittles or ball games, perfect for developing motor skills.

Ultimately, the best gift is interaction with an adult. Spend time with your child, play with them, and watch them grow and thrive.

Source : Le Figarro.fr