Do newborns babies need toys and things to stimulate them other than me?

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This is my (probably) daft question for today. I was thinking about whether I need to buy my ds some musical toys, or things for him to watch. I talk to him often and make lots of eye contact and he watches me intensely. I just wondered if he might get a bit fed up of just looking at me and dh all day?

I see other people with lots of rattly things attached to prams and I don't have anything; is he missing out?

Ds is just over 2 weeks, if this is relevant. But as much as I cuddle and kiss him, I do have other things to get on with and sometimes he lies awake and is gazing around. He doesn't seem miserable though as if he is lonely or fed up.

Ds is almost 12 weeks (7 corrected) and he has only just started showing interest in one toy only (the Lamaze beaver). So in answer to your question I wouldn't worry yet but in a few weeks yes. I highly recommend any Lamaze and some the sassy grasp and glow rattle (I think that's what it's called).

In my experience ( DS 8y DD 10m ) for the first few weeks/ months no you don't really . From about 3 m or so they are getting interested in toys and learning to hold and shake things . You can ofcourse hang something in the buggy etc it's not going be harmful either and then you do gradually notice when they get interested and start paying attention . I love the Lamaze toys range , have lots left from DS and have added new ones for DD too. Also have read books to her since she was tiny (to DS too).

A mobile hung over their cot/pram is always good if they are spending time just lying there while you do other things. I agree that Lamaze toys are great. A playmat with things hanging down is also useful as they get a bit older.

We got a lot of wear out of the Lamaze Pyramid Play House Gym. When DD was tiny, I would just lay her under it and she would have a look at things, then when she got older she would grab and play with the toys that came with it and at 15 months old she still plays with it.

I wouldn't worry too much stimulating too much, if anything overstimulating would probably be more of a problem as right now everything is new and it can get a bit too much for them!

No, they don't need anything. They can't actually focus very far away for several weeks (8-15 inches away at the moment), and can't grasp anything to investigate it either (which is why you never see a newborn taking any interest in those things hanging off their prams!) Faces are the most important at the moment - your DS isn't lonely or fed up. His eyes will start to focus around 6-8 weeks and he should be able to track an object held over his face then.

I think a lot of toys for babies and children are rubbish, its just manufacturers marketing that tells you they need the stimulation etc. to persuade you to buy them.

DD was always far more interested in faces, household objects and watching people doing stuff. Now at 12 months old she's still having far more fun with an old remote control (no batteries) than with any toy she has.

Save your money!

My 15 week old baby will smile at her mobile, herself in the mirror, people and me scrunching tinfoil.
She has ignored everything on her playmat, her musical seahorse thing, all rattles and pram string.
Save yourself money and don't bother with anything. Just standing in front of the mirror with her gets the most smiles.