This was brought up on a different board I'm on...but how many toys does a baby need? I'm talking infant - under 6 months. When I saw how many toys some infants had, I almost feel like I'm depriving my kiddo or something. I've lost the only "toy" she has - one of those crinkly rings with teething tabs on it.

She does have that playmat with the hoops over it with toys dangling down, and she likes grabbing those, but she likes grabbing her feet more! She loves playing with her washcloths, and my latest trick to keep her amused when I'm eating is to give her a paper towel, which she plays with (I remove pieces as she tears them). When I work outside, she is in the shade in her swing or on a quilt, and I talk and sing to her (Well, along with the radio that is playing the real oldies, like Sinatra!)

Right now she's on her mat, watching and "talking" to me, and playing with her feet.

She's a pretty happy baby - VERY smiliey and laughing. Does she really need toys? Am I depriving my kiddo? I almost felt guilty that the other babies had buckets of toys, and my kid likes to play with paper towel and listen to me slaughter Sinatra songs.

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I never had buckets of toys for my kids that age just maybe 2 or 3 tops
I did have cd's of music (more a few diff ones for my sanity then theres I would get sick of the same thigns over and over again)
I would alos have a lot of books as I liked reading to them even tho Im sure they were not listening LOL anyhow a couple I can see but not tons

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Kelly mom to 3 great girls A Peanut, a monkey and a little burrito.

VERY little! I'd say the vast majority of our infant toys were hardly touched. But that is so true for much of the baby gear. At least i know for baby #2 what is and isn't really needed. We'll save tons of money not buying every little toy and gadget that looks cool.

I just want to say kudos to you! My DD didn't have many toys either, but I was often at a loss for what to do with her when she was younger than 6 months. She was happy without many toys - it's pretty true that their favorite toy is you - but I did get a feeling that she needed more stuff. But then I think about how my grandmother grew up in the depression and turned out wonderfully - I'm sure she didn't have many toys. So you're doing a great job!

I'm on baby number 4 now, he has the least amount of everything! So much stuff is rarely used. He loves the plastic measuring cups and spoons. I regret even buying a swing this time, he hated it and won't even sit in anymore (he's 8 months).

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"Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow."

Our baby has lots of toys and books, in part because he was the first grandbaby on my side, and the second, and 6 years younger than the oldest on the other side. I find most of his toys he plays with and loves, (he's 7 months) and honestly, while he didn't play with my the first few months, from about 4 months on, those toys were lifesavers, and he enjoys them so so much, and they give me a break, since he's a very demanding baby. Of course, next baby wno't get as many new/yard sale toys, since we will have so many already, but I'm still glad I have them.

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"And the state of his bathroom -- I'm not one to gossip, but there are things crusted on his sink that have not simply developed intelligent life but have in all probability by now evolved their own political systems." Cain describes Abel in in SANDMAN #70

Both of my dd's had buckets full of toys and books. They still have too much IMO! We have baskets of books and I won't dwindle that down but I will be dwindling the toy pile down BIG time in the next few weeks.

We are TTC and with this baby I have very few toys I will purchase. I make soft cloth baby toys, balls, cloth books and rattles. So I won't need to buy anything new. Plus I prefer the cloth toys as they can be washed, they won't hurt the baby when it's dropped or thrown by themselves..But that's just me.

If you are worried..hit your local goodwill, thrift mart or yard sales..wash them up real good and toss them onto the baby's play area...see if they are a winner If not you'll only be out a few dollars.

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Happily married to my geek
Proud homeschooling, cloth diaperin, attached parenting, slinging, simplier, breastfeedin, sewing mama mades, christian and funky mama

My DS does have lots of toys but I know he would be just as content with less. I wouldn't compare to what other's have for their babies. What's most important is the quality time you spend together. His just loves being able to explore and to get into things. Tonight I read poetry to him, sang, played piano for him and we rolled a ball around. He just wants to be with me.

I have found some really good deals at garage sales and I am super picky. Just heading out a few times in the last year has really paid off with nice baby things. I also only buy things that are completely washable.

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Nadene

Well if it's for an infant under 6 months..I'm good with more "equipment" type stuff. A swing, a vibrating/bouncy seat.. They can't really use their fingers yet to play with toys at that age. My son seemed to like a thin blanket or soft stuffed animal best during that age. Otherwise just different things to look at. A mobile is good..or a toy he could lay under and look up at. But really..just the bouncy seat and moving him to a different part of the room so he could look at stuff kept him entertained! Now..at 4 years old..he has WAY too many toys! ugh!

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Shelby

Every child needs books...for success in literacy early on... make sure they are readily available and that you read at least one story a day (minimum!!) Granted, I AM a teacher, but children need the magic of stories. Board books are more important than any toy...except of course the teething toys! Those are a necessity as well!

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