When children start to walk more steadily, run, push, pull, climb and grab things – they are growing from infants to toddlers. Between their first and second birthdays, they are self centered and get busy doing various things like – to flip light switches, pour things in and out of containers, unwrap packages and empty drawers. The toddler stage is very important in a child’s life. It is the time between infancy and childhood when a child learns and grows in many ways. Everything that happens to the toddler is meaningful.

How do I know this?
I am a mother of two boys who I love dearly. I decided to stay home and raise my children with the best education and values I could provide. We made sacrifices and reorganized our lives for them. I learned the importance of educational toys as we saw our sons playing together with toys all around the house. This is when I realized the value of educational toys and started lulu-baby.com, to help other parents provide greater richness and diversity to their children. I truly believe that educational toys are the one option that can make every parent’s dreams true.

A toy which is worthy, gives colorful success in the end. Same goes to educational toys too. Each toy can have some educational benefits. Sometimes you may have to ask your self, “How can this toy be educational to my child?” The answer may be obvious, or you may have to dig a little to find a lesson or value with the toy. But, the rewards are worth it as you watch your children play with the toys in a meaningful way, and actually learn something in the process.

Here are some ideas to encourage your children to get more out of their fun time.

Baby Einstein
Infants and toddlers are apparently big fans of the Baby Einstein series, with titles like Baby Mozart, Baby Shakespeare, and Baby Van Gogh making regular rounds in their family’s DVD. I learned the importance of educational toys. The shine in my sons’ eyes while watching several of the Baby Einstein Videos taught me that I can provide happiness to the little one. “These videos have a lot of colors and shapes that hold his attention,” says another Mom. The complete line of Baby Einstein educational videos and DVDs stimulate the growing mind.

And what child doesn’t love the magic of puppets? Whether it’s a ferocious dragon, a wiggly octopus or a friendly dog. These lovely puppets offer terrific “hands-on” fun that is sure to ignite any child’s imagination. Playing with Baby Einstein Puppets with a parent or adult helps babies interact with others and aids in language development.

Little Tikes
These are for babies 6 to 36 months and are aimed at giving children experience. My older son enjoys climbing up and down the Castle Climber has been one of our best investments towards our children’s growing up.

Little Tikes offers a variety of play sets that help fuel their imagination. Little Tikes toys do not entertain children the way so many toys and products do. They allow a child’s imagination to run free and expand. There are not a lot of bells and whistles, but children do not need that all the time. They get sensory overload. Little Tikes produces toys that not only allow children to educate themselves, the toys encourage imagination and education.

Little Tikes makes shape sorters, infant sensory stimulation toys, outdoor toys that promote large motor skill development, and even furniture for a nursery, toddler or preschooler’s bedroom or playroom.

Already the leader in plastic furniture for children, Little Tikes is building on its established reputation for safety and durability by launching its first line of wooden furniture – natural interiors. So the furniture looks great “as is” or decorated with paint to match a child’s personality. The light wood furniture -including a table, chair, desk, easel, toy box and storage center- is perfectly scaled for kids and designed so that its looks at home in any interior or room of the house.

I can go on for another page as a typical Mom. But I would encourage you to visit my web site lulu-baby.com for more information. You may be wondering where the name lulu-baby came from. You will know once you visit my web site.

We, as Moms are very busy, we are always running around to take care of our babies. Online shopping is a great help for us busy Moms. Buying good products from the convenience of my home has become part of my life.

Our web site aims to be more than a web store, but a good resource for Moms, a place to find good products for you and your child.

With our deepest love for children, let’s bring a lot of laughter into our homes.

About The Author
Barbara De Oliveira. Mother of two children. Lulu-baby.com website owner and RN (Registered Nurse)

1. A bit of advice – Contributed by: Phyllis C.
   Have ink pens and index cards near the exit of the party. Ask each person to write down some thoughts or advice for the mom-to-be!
2. Comforter Creation – Contributed by: Talina J.
   Purchase a light, solid color comforter and get a laundry marker. Have everyone that attends the shower sign the blanket! It’s a great keepsake and looks so cute in the baby’s room hanging on the wall.
3. Educational Party – Contributed by: Rhiana W.
   Ask everyone to bring a book to start a library for the baby, or an educational toy.
4. Helium Balloon Party – Contributed by: Jennifer
   Each guest is asked to bring a helium balloon to the party. During the party a note is attached to the balloon with the mom-to-be’s post office box address and a request for a letter from the person that finds the balloon. At the end of the party, the balloons are set loose. The letters received by the mom-to-be can be saved in the baby book.
5. Party Favors – Contributed by: Beverly B. of Oklahoma
   Purchase about 1/2 yard of flannel suitable for a baby in either a pink or blue pattern. Cut squares approximately 4 inches square. Fold in half diagonally to form a triangle and then form a tiny 3 cornered “diaper” and then pin it with a little pin. Spray with spray starch and allow to dry. Inside each little diaper, insert a paper mini baking and party cup (made by Wilton and found at craft stores and discount stores). These can then be used to hold nuts and/or mints, such as after dinner mints in the pastel colors and given to each guest at the shower.
6. Thank You Notes – Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Hand out envelopes (the ones for the thank you notes) and ask each person to fill in their name and address. They can get a small gift or prize for doing so if you choose, bit it certainly helps the mother to be.
7. What’s My Name? - Contributed by: Lorna F. of Pinopolis, SC
   Have everyone write down their favorite baby names on a piece of paper. This gives mom and dad a nice list to think about, and you can give a gift to the person who’s name they choose!

Do you have a baby shower game or idea you’d like to list here?
Please let us know!