Choosing toys for babies and toddlers is critical to their growth and enjoyment. Here’s a summary of toys appropriate for different age groups:
For Babies (0-12 Months):
Soft and Squeezy Toys:
Soft and squeezy toys allow babies to hold, chew, and explore textures. Look for toys manufactured from soft, non-toxic materials in a variety of textures and colours.
Rattles: Babies enjoy toys that create noise! Choose rattles in a variety of forms, textures, and sounds to excite their senses.
Teething toys offer alleviation for sore gums. Choose toys that are comfortable to hold and chew on, and are composed of safe materials such as BPA-free silicone.
Activity Gyms and Play Mats: These offer babies a safe and stimulating space to explore. Look for play mats with bright colours, mirrors, and dangling toys to encourage reaching and grasping.
Soft Books: Cloth or board books with bright colours and simple images are ideal for introducing babies to the world of literature.
Stacking rings and nesting cups are toys that assist newborns develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills as they grasp, stack, and sort.
For toddlers (ages 1-3):
Building Blocks: Toddlers enjoy building and knocking down! Invest in large, soft construction blocks or wooden blocks to foster creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Shape Sorters and Stackers: These toys teach toddlers about shapes, colours, and sizes while also promoting hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.
Puzzles: Begin with simple puzzles with large, chunky pieces, then graduate to more complicated ones. Puzzles assist children develop their spatial awareness and cognitive abilities.
Push and pull toys, such as push automobiles, waggons and pull-along animals, help toddlers practise walking and balance while also offering hours of fun.
Musical Instruments: To help infants learn about rhythm and sound, introduce them to simple musical instruments such as shakers, drums, and xylophones.
Role-Play Toys: Toys for pretend play, such as play kitchens, tool sets, and dolls, help children to participate in imaginative play while also developing their social skills.
Outdoor Toys: Toddlers benefit from outside play. Consider ride-on cars, tricycles, sand and water tables, and balls for vigorous outside play.
Art Supplies: Toddlers may express their creativity and fine motor abilities with crayons, washable markers, finger paints, and play dough.
When picking toys for babies and toddlers, prioritise safety by choosing toys made of non-toxic materials, free of small pieces that could cause choking hazards, and age-appropriate for your child’s developmental stage. Consider toys that promote open-ended play and exploration to help children develop their creativity and imagination.
