Sophie is a 6-month-old baby who has been seen with her mother Kate in a local Sure Start centre by her health visitor. Kate has attended to have Sophie weighed but has asked advice about what would be suitable toys for her baby at this age. Kate is also concerned that she may not have sufficient funds for new toys but has seen a notice in the centre for a toy library.
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1. What would you consider to be suitable toys for Sophie to play with at 6 months?
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Correct answer: Mobiles, rattles, sensory toys that play music, cloth books with different materials that are soft to touch or make noise when grasped and play mats with sensory patches and plastic mirrors imbedded in them.
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2. How would you advise Sophie's mum to access play opportunities?
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Correct answer: Provide information on mums and babies groups. Provide details of the toy library. If there is a sensory room in the centre, give details of this. Sometimes libraries provide free story-telling sessions that Kate may be able to access. Emphasise that toys don't need to cost lots of money, and that smiling, touching and talking to babies like Sophie is part of the process of social and emotional development.
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3. What advice could be provided for Kate in relation to her financial concerns?
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Correct answer: Provide information relating to financial support and resources that can be provided via Sure Start. The health visitor can liaise with social services to establish if income support can be obtained.
Sometimes, areas have National Childbirth Trust (NCT) groups, which not only offer emotional support, as well as having stalls that sell second-hand baby goods and toys.
