Developing your children so they grow up like the little angels you want them to be starts from day one. It is very important to begin utilizing various tools, resources, and toys that will ensure they are growing and learning appropriately.

This article will take you through the very critical first year of your child's development.

You may not have considered using playtime to help your new baby grow and develop, but that is exactly what healthy infants need! So, let's have some fun!

Not only is visual, audial and sensory stimulation important for your child's development, but if you offer your child this kind of stimulation from an early age, your child will become more involved in the world around him and his natural curiosity will lead the way.

Remember, they are like a little sponge. They will take in everything around them and absorb it into their little developing brains.

In the beginning, your baby can't hold a toy or sit or stand to play with an object, but she can watch mobiles and brightly colored crib 'hangings' that will help her focus her eyes. Finding things that will hold their attention will be tough, but you will notice items they like and items they don't like very quickly.

Her vision is a bit fuzzy but she can see things that are about 8-12 inches from her face. So, in addition to mobiles, you can decorate the walls around her crib with animals, figures or brightly colored shapes with lots of contrast. She will love that! Coming up with ideas and getting others together to help is a fun time and will give you a chance to enjoy the new addition to your lives.

You can also play a music box or a CD or tape with lullabies or soothing music your child will love. There is some great developmental music your baby is sure to love.

Movies and videos work well too. We have found that because t.v. has commercials, our little guy loses interest and never regains. So we have found that baby Einstein videos and full length animated movies have kept him entertained so we can have a break or get other things accomplished.

As your baby gets a little older, he will love to look at his own reflection in the mirror. Many baby supply stores and toy stores sell safe, plastic mirrors that can be mounted on the crib or playpen.

Very soon, your child will start to turn over and even sit up. When your child is sitting in a walker, a swing or a high chair, you can give them brightly colored shapes to handle. Just be sure it is safe because they will be putting anything and everything in their mouth. It's actually funny to watch, but if you aren't careful, you could end up at the emergency room.

Some ideas that come to mind, include plastic 'rods' that fasten onto strollers or walkers and fasten across the front with circles, squares and other shapes attached to the rod. Rattlers and other items that make noise will be great teaching tools developing the all-important motor skills.

Books also allow your child many hours of practicing motor skills as they grow. They can flip pages, look at animal shapes, letters and numbers, and get involved. There are some great interactive-style books on the market today that are great teaching/learning tools. Our son loves them and plays with them for long periods of time.

When your baby is old enough to hold and snuggle a stuffed animal, there are great options for child safe bears and other animals that make noises, talk, sing and play music. This will be around the time you want to get them into a sleeping regimen. It is good to come up with a sleeping buddy they can count on. Trust us when we say we finally got a full nights sleep.

One word of caution is to be a safety conscious parent by making sure the toys you choose are age-appropriate and will not cause any potential harm to your little one. When you hear horror stories of parents saying oh I just turned my back for a moment or something along those lines, they can happen to you.

Also, buy toys that can be cleaned on occasion. It is easy for your little one to pick up illnesses from germs and such. Just remember they put everything in their mouth, so it is important to use proper cleaners and detergents (check with your doctor on which cleaners to use).

All in all this is a great overview of the importance of utilizing toys for your baby's first year of development. There is a lot more to consider than you can imagine, but luckily parental instinct kicks in when you decide which toys are best and how to use them accordingly.

Happy Parenting!!