In the quest to provide the best for our babies, the term "baby-friendly" is often thrown around regarding music, decor, and toys. However, it's essential to look beyond marketing labels and delve into what truly benefits your child's development.

Instead of relying on flashy kid soundtracks and cartoons, consider exposing your baby to real instrumental music. Research suggests babies respond well to the rhythms, melodies, and harmonies of musical compositions. This exposure can help develop their auditory senses, language skills, and emotional intelligence.

Music players like The Yoto are ideal for toddlers, but you can invest in one from the start and play their classical music cards!

While abstract, primary-colored, or fantastical decor may seem appealing for childhood, opt for real photographs and imagery in your baby's environment. Babies are drawn to real images of faces, animals, and everyday objects. This engages their visual senses and helps them connect the images to real-world experiences.

Mixtiles are a great way to print real photos and hang them in baby’s line of sight hassle-free.

When it comes to toys, go beyond just plastic and source ones made from various natural sources like wood or fabric. Babies are "sensorial explorers," getting their hands on natural materials provides a more authentic sensory experience, allowing them to explore different textures, temperatures, and weights, promoting fine and gross motor development.

In sum, be wary of "baby-friendly" when it is used to imply that babies need scaled-back, superficial things. Babies most need to engage their senses and connect to what is real.