The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s son, Prince George, is about to experience his first Christmas. He’s expected to spend time with both sets of grandparents, including the Queen. But what type of gift is suitable for a baby’s first festive season?
The toy manufacturer Lego hasn’t yet designed a Prince George to match his parents the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, but his granny Queen Elisabeth ll is here with one of her favourite corgis.
It’ll be quite a while before Prince George will be able to build anything on this scale, but there’s plenty of other toys which are fit for a baby.
Like these teddy bears which have been popular toys for babies for many centuries.
Or Barbie dolls, each with its own unique outfit specially designed by an international fashion designer.
However, child psychologist Dr. Gabrielle Highman says young babies don’t need toys to enjoy Christmas, not even a Prince.
"You’ll have people picking him up, he’ll have lots of sounds and lights and smells and tastes and textures to experience and he’ll probably get quite a lot of stimulation from that alone. I’m sure he’ll get plenty of presents too, but that actually is quite stimulating. Lots of music of course, music is fantastic stimulation, both because it can be loud and fun and also it can be calm and peaceful so you (the baby) can start to recognise the difference between the two. Even as a baby." said Dr. Gabrielle Highman, Child Psychologist.
As the countdown to Christmas continues the streets are packed with shoppers searching for something special for their little ones.
Babies can be noisy and they like making noises too, so what could be better than a floor mat that doubles as a drum kit?
Interactive maps like these will help Prince George learn about the Commonwealth of Nations and international relations, but it’ll be quite a few years before he’ll be up to that.
Robots come in every shape and size now, so if your child is hankering for a pet what about these robotic fish?
All playing aside, toys do have an important role in helping babies learn about the world around them.
"Toys like bricks, stackers which develop spacial awareness, improve fine motor skills, problem solving all those sort of cause and effect toys. Great for kids of that age. Creative play they’re beginning to experience that and even though sort of social interaction in terms of working together with other children is not very strong, playing with adults, books of course (are) at that stage very important. So a much greater range of toys." said Dr. Gabrielle Highman, Child Psychologist.
Books may be traditional, but these aim to draw children into a habit of looking at and learning to read books. Stories like the "Wizard of Oz" entice children into the tale with clever little holograms which move when you turn the page.
So what do you get a baby prince who probably does have everything? Well one thing’s for sure, the right gift will no doubt have his name on it.
