Toys to Make for Babies

For Starters

• Make fleece blocks for a very young baby. Because they are a textured-but-soft fabric, the these blocks will be easy for the baby to grasp and hold on to. Cut six squares of a brightly colored fleece material. Sew the first four together, one against the other. Fold over the strip you've just made and sew the two ends together. Sew on the top and the bottom, raw edges out, to give baby one more thing to grab.

Recycled Materials

• Make tubes and square toys from recycled tissue holders and boxes. Tape a piece of cardboard at the ends of a paper towel roll with duck tape. If your baby is smaller, use a toilet tissue roll. Stick self-adhesive wallpaper onto the tube. Using small covered boxes, decorate as you did the towel roll. Make several of each shape. These toys will be better for an older baby, about 6 months old.

Wooden Blocks

• Cut out 1/4-inch-thick wood. Make your wood tiles 2 inches square. You can also purchase tile blanks at a craft store -- just be sure they are not varnished and are real wood, not particle board or plywood. Sketch designs on the wood blocks in pencil. Using a non-toxic paint, color in your design. Use bright, vibrant colors and draw items your child can learn to identity. These are for even older babies, about 9 months old.

For Any Baby

• Make a hand puppet by using an old sock that will fit over your hand. Push the toe of the sock into your palm. Remove the sock and pin where you have pushed the toe in -- this is the mouth of your puppet. Stitch the edges of the mouth together leaving room for your hand to fit. Use non-toxic markers to color in eyes and a nose. This toy is appropriate for a baby of any age.