Babies are fascinated with objects and toys. They are easily distracted and like to see what they can do with their hands and fingers, and what they can do with an object. To keep your baby happy and occupied, you can create fun and stimulating playthings from items you likely have around your home.

Here are a few ideas for making safe toys that will keep your little one busy and encourage baby to:

• Take out and put in - Place a few safe, colorful objects, such as plastic cookie cutters, small building blocks, or small clean plastic bottles in a plastic bucket. (Check that objects are large enough to prevent them from becoming lodged in baby's throat and that they are sturdily constructed to prevent them from separating into small pieces that can be swallowed or inhaled). Baby will enjoy taking items out of the containers and dropping them back in with a satisfying "plunk"!
  
  
• Grasp, twist, and squeeze- Create "squeeze dolls" from old socks--sew on felt eyes, nose, mouth, and use yarn for hair. Babies love hugging and exploring these soft, cuddly dolls.
  
  
• Push and pull- A clean cardboard box can be a fun toy. Cut off the top and place a ball or other object that will roll inside the box. Encourage baby to push and pull the box while she learns how her actions make the object inside roll around.
  
  
• Stack up and knock down - Make soft building blocks with clean milk cartons. Stuff the cartons with newspaper until each is full but not bulging. Tape it shut with packaging tape or duct tape. You can use contact paper with designs on it to cover the boxes. Stack blocks for baby and encourage baby to knock them down.
  
  
• Pour - Use a plastic or paper cup and a plastic tub. Punch holes in the bottom of the cup and encourage baby to pour water from the cup into the tub, or into the bathtub at bath time.
  
  
• Toss, throw, and catch - You can create spongy, soft balls cut from a large, colored sponge. This fun toy can be used wet or dry.