Toys: birth to three months Jane Kemp Your newborn doesn't really need toys - in those early weeks all he'll want is to be close to you. But there are things you can buy or make that your baby will enjoy looking at, and before long he'll be actively playing.

Safe and fun

Cuddly - a newborn may be reassured by a soft piece of cloth, such as a muslin square. Tuck it inside your shirt before giving it to your baby, so it smells of you.

Mobile - attached over your baby's cot, a mobile's moving shapes and bright colours will attract your baby's gaze. Some mobiles also play a gentle tune.

Baby gym - an activity arch with toys hanging from the bars. It may also have lights and sounds to encourage your baby to reach out and bat at the toys.

Play mat - features may include activities, such as lift-the-flap, different textures to feel, a squeaky button and lots of bright images for your baby to look at.

Safety mirror - your baby will be intrigued by the little face he sees, although he won't yet recognise it as his own.

Lights and sounds - your baby will enjoy the twinkling lights and quiet melodies that are activated by pressing or squeezing a toy.

Wrist rattle - attached to your baby's wrist like a bracelet, it will jingle as your baby moves his hands.

Feely toy - your baby will enjoy toys he can press, stroke and crinkle, as well as those with different textured surfaces.

Pram beads - a row of plastic or soft toys strung on elastic, which you hook across your baby's pushchair or pram, will keep him entertained.

Cot books - these have brightly coloured or strongly contrasting images, and special fastenings so you can tie them to the side of your baby's cot.

Make sure your baby has quiet times, as well as play times

Make sure your baby has quiet times, as well as play times. Too much stimulation can make him grizzly and restless.

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