In general, babies seem to like toys that they can grasp in their tiny, uncoordinated fists and put in their mouths. Look for simple toys with small projections or handles. Household objects (plastic cups, hankies, Wiffle Ball, etc.) are great; just make sure they are bigger around than a toilet paper tube and have no pinching parts or toxic paints.

And never remove the sewn-in tags from stuffed toys, rattles, cloth books, etc. This is apparently the best part!

*"Symphony in Motion" mobile ($40-$50). Cleverly designed to put on a little show, with classical music. Also known as "crack for babies." This will buy you time for your morning shower like nothing else.

*Plastic interlocking rings ($7). The cheapest toy is the all-time favorite. One of the only toys babies can actually grasp. Also useful for attaching toys to stroller.

*Gymini play mat ($50). Look for a used one; babies like them but outgrow them pretty fast.

*Fisher Price "Ocean Wonders" Aquarium ($25). Another hypnotic device very popular among the baby set. Gentle lights, bubbles, and rotating fish, with David Lynchian music (not too annoying) or nature sounds; straps to the side of the crib.

*Skwish by Manhattan Toy Co. ($15). Wooden tubes and beads strung together with elastic into a springy ball. Easy-to-grab and chew, and makes a nice sound; a big hit starting around 4 months or so.

*Crib mirror ($20; Lamaze makes a nice one)

*Teether Babies by Munchkin ($7). I see these in drugstores a lot. They're little stuffed animals with a rattle inside, and the hands and feet are flat rubber discs to chew on. It looks like the poor thing's undergone a bad transplant operation, but the baby does love it.

*Smiley Face by Sassy ($7). This toy has everything they like in one compact and durable package: googly eyes, rattling beads, chewable handles, and a mirror. Easy to bring along; one of Charlie's favorites.

*Wooden rattle with bell. This is an old-fashioned classic toy that looks like it was made for a cat. A little round cage with a jingle ball inside. I just found one used at a consignment store and Charlie thinks it's the best thing he's ever seen.