When it comes to keeping kids entertained, parents often worry about selecting the appropriate toys for their particular age group. That’s because many toy marketing messages can be confusing.
Additionally, some toys may present risks to children’s safety. Toys with small parts that can be swallowed, sharp edges, or toxic materials should be avoided.
Baby Toys
Selecting the appropriate toys is essential for your child’s development. They can teach them cause and effect, develop fine motor skills, enhance coordination, and foster creativity.
According to Jessica Oledzka, M.S., a pediatric occupational therapist in Los Angeles, your baby’s first few months are crucial for developing body awareness and learning how to hold objects properly. “Toys that encourage exploration — such as stuffed animals or soft blocks — are ideal for this stage,” she advises.
When purchasing infant toys, make sure they don’t contain sharp points or potential choking hazards. Look for products that are lead-free, shatterproof, and easy to clean.
Avoid loud toys and products with batteries, as these can present a choking hazard for your baby. Instead, focus on toys that encourage interaction between you and other people; these activities help develop social skills while providing fun ways for both of you to bond.
Toddler Toys
Toys are an integral part of your child’s development. They offer them the chance to hone new skills and explore the world at their own pace.
As children grow and develop, they learn through four primary avenues: sensory play, cognitive play, language, and social-emotional play. By understanding how toys support each area of development, you can find the ideal gifts to encourage your child’s progress.
Stacking blocks are a popular toddler toy that helps develop motor skills, language, and cognitive development. Tiles are another excellent choice as they’re perfectly proportioned for creativity and imagination development.
Selecting the ideal kid’s toys and furniture is a crucial element in your child’s development. However, with thousands of toy options available, it may feel overwhelming to pick just the right one.
Preschool Toys
A wide range of preschool toys can assist your child in four key areas: language development, physical development, creative thinking, and socialization. Furthermore, toys can boost a child’s self-esteem and facilitate relationships with peers and adults.
Preschoolers are still honing their motor skills, so they need playthings that require hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These could range from small toys (dolls, cars) to larger items they can manipulate with both hands and arms.
Matching, stacking, and building toys are excellent for developing children’s early fine motor skills. Blocks, stacking cups, and rings, as well as shape sorters, are popular among young kids.
School Age Toys
Playing with toys is an excellent way for your child to stimulate their mind, stimulate imagination and develop life skills that will benefit them in the future. But it is essential that you select toys that are age-appropriate and will challenge them intellectually but not so much that they don’t have fun.
School-aged children are ready for more complex, open-ended toys that allow them to use their imaginations. This could include art and craft supplies, dress-up games, as well as simple props that let them create their own world.
Selecting the appropriate toys for your child’s safety and health is paramount. Look for items made of nontoxic, lead-free materials that are safe to chew on and don’t have any sharp edges or splinters.
Avoid gender-specific toys such as red race cars and pink kitchen sets that could exclude girls from essential learning opportunities and reinforce harmful stereotypes.
