Baby Toys

I always assumed that the sole purpose of baby toys was simply to keep little ones entertained and amused. Now I realize they do much more and are instrumental in early childhood development. They help babies learn concepts and develop their fine & gross motor skills. Fine motor skills are small movements— such as grabbing something with your thumb and forefinger — that use the small muscles of the fingers, toes, wrists, lips, and tongue. Gross motor skills are the bigger movements — such as running and jumping — that use the large muscles in the arms, legs, torso, and feet.

It's common for preemies to have developmental delays so you'd think I'd be all over it. But I'm ashamed to say that Carl and I have both been pretty lazy parents and are quick to put him in his swing or bouncer rather than work with him. The only thing I've really focused on is making sure he gets enough tummy time. And even though I explained it to Carl back in December after Justin's first developmental assessment he's just now beginning to understand the importance of tummy time. He actually thought it was something I made up and didn't believe it until one of the NICU nurses mentioned it.

Justin's next developmental assessment is March 12th and I'm expecting to be told that there is some delay, even for his adjusted age (6 months). I'm hoping we'll be referred to early Early Intervention (EI) and he'll start receiving some type of therapy. But in the meantime I'm working with him daily on rolling, sitting up, and grasping/reaching for toys. And the links I just bought are a big hit as they're easier for him to hold onto.