First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes a baby in a suped-up, off-road iPod compatible, jogging stroller. Along with her luggage hoisted on Mom\’s aching shoulders. Babies enter the world with, technically, nothing, but somehow manage to consume an entire SUV with their toys immediately after birth. You may just want to keep it to a few, key toys that stimulate your new little one – to stop crying. Here are ten of the most popular toys on the market.

Baby Einstein Around the World Discovery Play Gym *$48 Amazon*

What makes this a cut above other gyms is it\’s clear depiction of specific animals around the world in their habitats. Plus mom and baby can enjoy sounds from around the world with the baby activated melodies.

Fisher Price Stack \’N Roll Cups *$10 Amazon*

Nesting cups, aka glorified measuring cups, have been around as long as babies themselves. But these spherical stackers offer much more than traditional cups. They can be tucked inside one another to make a ball, or joined together separately to make 5 individual balls. The cups may be made into a tower with all or just a few spheres. Babies and toddlers learn about colors, matching and sizes. A must-have for parents.

Fisher Price Starlight Papasan Cradle Swing *$125 Amazon*

While I\’m not a huge fan of excessive swinging (babies don\’t get the deepest sleep in a swing), they still need to have a safe comforting place outside of your arms. I wish they made this swing for adults. It is soft, well-cushioned and rocks both front to back and side to side. The mobile is virtually useless, but it plays nice music–by far the best option available.

Early Learning Center Brilliant Start Activity Table *$60 Amazon*

While other tables from Leap Frog and Fisher Price dominate in sales, this table really challenges the mind with a subtle blend of lights and sounds. Children experiment with cause and effect as they learn to spin, balance, tap, chase and push balls through holes.

Manhattan Toy Three Little Pigs Finger Puppets *$23 Barnes & Noble*

Not only are these pigs beyond adorable, but they make perfect portable playmates. Babies enjoy the voices you make for them and toddlers will recreate the story after you\’ve read and acted it out with them. Finger puppets are always a smash hit, but keep a close eye when babies play so don\’t choke on small parts.

Oball * $8 Nasco*

As a flexible open ball, this spider-web looking creation is a sure hit for many years. Babies can grab it with ease while their older siblings can kick, hit and roll it indoors and outdoors.

Sophie the Giraffe *$17 Amazon*

Not all teethers are created equal, and Sophie proves it. She is a squeaky, teethable and easy-to-grip giraffe designed to stimulate very young babies. Is she worth $17? Just try several other teether that get tossed out of the crib and you\’ll buy a set of two before you know it.

Fisher Price Baby\’s First Blocks *$10 Amazon*

Babies can\’t resist blocks, especially bright colored ones that fit in their own holes. Not only can babies experiment with fitting shapes in the correct openings but younger children can practice putting the blocks in the box with the lid off–a great way to learn how to clean up!

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Cloud B Sleep Sheep *$25 Bed Bath and Beyond*

How to get your infant to sleep? Just by counting sheep! This is not a savior to the great sleep issues that new parents face, but the lovable Sleep Sheep plays gentle white noise or heartbeats to help soothe baby to bed.

Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube *$25 Toys \’R Us*

Choose from 8 classic Mozart compositions and then add parts of the symphony to hear different instrumental variations of the music. Piano, orchestra, brass and others add layers to each song. A great way to stimulate your child\’s musical ear!

Two Last-Minute Tips for Buying Toys in 2011*

It\’s a good idea to visit http://www.usrecallnews.com/section/toy-recalls to check if a toy has been recalled when buying used toys. And you can always check for toy store coupons at http://www.couponsherpa.com/online-coupons/category/toys-games-coupons/ to save money when buying online.

Author Bio: You can read more of Ashley G\’s frugal parenting articles on Free Shipping\’s Go Frugal Blog.

Category: Parenting
Keywords: parenting, toys, children, babies