I am extremely lucky to enjoy a long maternity leave.  I get to be home with my first born for six months.  Six. months.  How amazing is that?  I am loving every moment of it.  It’s hard.  It is really, really hard.  But I am trying to savor every milestone he has no matter how small because I know I’ll miss some of these when I go back to work.  For example, he is three months old and yesterday his hands opened and he started grabbing for some of his toys. How cool is that?  According to BabyCenter, the part of his brain that is in charge of his hand-eye coordination is developing this month.  He is becoming so fun to play with, but I have to admit as a newbie to this whole parenting thing I wasn’t exactly sure how to play with a baby.  So I did a bunch of research and I purchased every toy that was ever made (…or at least it feels like it) and put together a list of my favorites for his current age.

Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle and Sensory Teether Activity ( 1):  This toy combines all of Beckham’s favorite things into one little ball-o-fun:  a rattle, something rubbery to chew on and an easy object he can grab at and kick.

Noggin Stick ( 2):  You see that little glow stick?  It is so bright you can’t miss it? Neither can he. Babies love to look at bright lights.  The stick is also thin enough for him to grab and shake to help him improve on those fine motors skills.

Sassy Floor Mirror ( 3):  Mirrors are a baby’s best friend.  Babies love to look at a human face.  Their own cute, little chubby face included.  This mirror is great for entertaining when sitting up or working on tummy time.

Fisher-Price Sit-Me-Up Floor Seat ( 4): When Beckham started to gain more head control, I was anxious to find him a toy where he spent less time on his back.  He loves this chair and has started to build more back and neck muscles.

Fisher-Price Activity Gym ( 5):  The activity gym was the first toy that Beckham started to play with when we woke up from our newborn fog and started to think about other things other than sleep.  He loves the freedom to move his arms and legs.  According to MamaOT.com, an activity gym helps him learn cause and effect.  It is also great exercise which means great naps for baby and Mom.