That's why so many company's offer so-called developmental baby toys suitable even from birth. The first twelve months can be broadly sectioned into three stages, birth - 3 months, 3 - 6 months and 6 - 12 months. Here's what happens at each stage.

In the first three months a baby's eyesight is relatively poor, with a newborn not being able to focus on a mothers face for about a week. Hearing is well ahead however and new mums may notice that their baby appears to be listening to familiar music or sounds that they heard while in the womb. Large motor skills begin to develop so that a baby who could not lift his head up  at one month, will very likely be turning his head toward a sound, and may even be able to hold his head at 90° from the floor  on his tummy by 3 months. This early toys that make sounds, have bright coordinating patterns and can offer interesting textures are ideal.

From 4 - 6 months most babies begin to reach out and stretch for objects, some can turn over and reach up with their hands and feet at something attractive above their heads. Rolling toys are great now and musical mobiles whose safe toys can be touched.

From about 7 months many babies begin to crawl and a few months later, walk. Push-along toys or sit-ons with skids or wheels are great fun at a year as babies enjoy being upright. As toddlerhood approaches the finer motor finger skills take off.