Number Pebbles, £17.50 and £30
Following on from the success of their Alphabet Pebbles, Yellow Door has launched Number Pebbles, designed to appeal to children's natural instincts to sort and collect. Durable and weatherproof, the pebbles can be used in sand, water and small-world play, indoors and out. Cast from a resin and stone mix, each pebble measures between 30 and 45mm and is engraved with a number.
Each jar also includes a leaflet full of ideas and activities to help get the most from these innovative resources.
The smaller set, Number bonds to 10 (£17.50), explores number bonds to 10 and contains two of numbers 0 to 10 (22 pebbles). The larger Sumbuilding set (£30) contains both number and operation pebbles, creating a playful way to introduce children to sums. It includes two of numbers 0-20, +, -, = and one each of x and [s5] (50 pebbles).
Soft Activity Block Set, £20:
Peas in a pod rattle and roll set, £10
www.silvercross.co.uk/silver-cross-toys
Silver Cross provides a range of engaging toys, designed to soothe and satisfy babies while promoting specific skills such as observation and co-ordination. The Soft Activity Block Set features six beautifully decorated activity blocks and comes with a canvas travel bag for easy storage. The peas in a pod rattle and roll set is easy for a baby to grasp and roll along the floor.
My Dominoes - My World 
This numbered domino set contains 28 chunky pieces with brightly-coloured animals. Ideal for children aged three to seven, the game has been developed in conjunction with child psychologist Dr Amanda Gummer and includes additional hints and tips for extending play and learning. The set forms part of an award-winning range. It is made in the UK out of 100 per cent recycled board. See the Gibsons website for suppliers and their prices.
Babybjorn Baby Carrier Miracle, £109 
Babybjorn has undertaken two years of research to develop a baby carrier that it says provides 'ergonomic perfection for both parent and child, from newborn to 15 months'. The ergonomic waist belt and adjustable design keep the important closeness between adult and child in the early months while providing good support for the baby's head and back, making sure their legs and arms are in a physiologically correct position and leaving the adult's hands free. The adjustable head support can be folded down to allow an older child to be carried facing forward. Available from various suppliers, including Amazon.
