Smarter Spaces Series - NB to 2 years old

It's important for children in this stage to have easy access to their playthings so that they don't just see but also grab, sniff, and chew.

Group like items in soft, low bins.  For instance, put all age appropriate balls in one bin and musical toys in another.

A clinical specialist in pediatric occupational therapy in New York City, Felice Sklamberg says, "Babies are easily overstimulated, which makes a catchall toy box overwhelming, not to mention harder to access."  Storing items in small bins also makes it easier to swap out toys each week, which is something Sklamberg recommends to avoid sensory overload.