Toys from nature to keep your baby entertained

No need to spend a fortune on toys when nature has provided lots of toys for your child, particularly the multi-purpose toy called "parents"

Think newborns don't play? You're wrong. Newborns are experts at playing, but they might not be able to laugh or show how much they are enjoying the world around them. They can't tell you what they like and what they want, but that doesn't mean they don't play.

In the first year of life, playing doesn't necessarily mean using expensive toys or advanced technology. At this stage, they are still learning simple things. Your baby can play with your hand all day without getting bored – tugging your fingers, squeezing them, or watching how a hand can form a fist. That's enough to entertain your baby.

Toys from nature around you
Babies learn about simple things first. Here are a few examples of "toys" that your baby can play with.

• You are the best toy, and that's a fact. Your baby can hold your fingers, pull your arm, or climb all over your body, and feel that it's the best play time in the world.

• A milk bottle is a great toy. Try using a bottle with a hold in the middle for easy grasping, or choose bright colors and cartoons so that your baby has something to look at. Holding a milk bottle is a good way for your baby to improve his motor skills so that he can hold things firmly once he grows up.

• A piece of cloth, such as a handkerchief or a napkin, can bring great fun. Wave it, cover your face with it, or tie small knots on it and your baby can play with it for hours. For bigger kids, try folding it and let your child follow the steps. For us adults, folding a square cloth into a triangle or other shapes is not a big deal, but for children, it's an amazing discovery.

• Leaves and flowers at home are nature's best toys. Take your baby outside or to a park and let him feel the leaves and flowers of different textures. This stimulates their tactile skills and helps them learn about the world around them.

• Every furniture is a wonderland. Crawling babies like to explore furniture – some even bite and chew because they can't tell what's edible. Keep sharp objects away and closely watch your child. Never leave your child unattended in order to prevent accidents. Most importantly, let him explore at his own pace so that he enjoys learning and discovering new things.

Cautions
• Safety always comes first. Always make sure your child is playing safely. Young children should not play with small items because they might choke on them. Fragile, sharp and toxic items should be kept away from children's hand. Children should not play with heavy items because they might fall. Dangerous spots such as electricity sockets or a bucket filled with water should be avoided.

• Always clean your child's toys and items using mild detergent suitable for baby's belongings. Children might put things in their mouth, or put their fingers in their mouth after playing, so it is important to keep everything clean. Unclean items can lead to illnesses such as diarrhea and hand foot and mouth disease. Choose a gentle and natural detergent such as Babi Mild bottle cleaner, made from corn and coconut.