Look around the house; you are well stocked with infant toys, you just may not realize it yet. Babies like things that go inside other things, things with lids to open and close, and things that can be stacked or dumped. They like things with interesting textures or ones that make interesting sounds. Some of the best are:

• From the kitchen: Wooden spoons, measuring cups and spoons, pots and pans, plastic containers with lids, balls of waxed paper or aluminum foil (bigger than your baby's fist).

• From the bathroom: Clean makeup brushes, cloth diapers, empty tissue box filled with light scarves, empty baby wipe container, nylon net bath puff.

• Just stuff: Coasters, napkin rings, socks rolled into balls or used as puppets, clean feather dusters, shoes, old wallets and credit cards.

• Filled clear plastic bottles: Clear or colored water, liquid soap, dry pasta, feathers, rice, or anything else that fits, makes noise and looks fun (glue or tape the top on to prevent choking hazards and messes).