What Toy to Give at What Age?
Babies do not need many toys in the early months. The key is choosing a few quality toys that are appropriate for each developmental stage. This article gives an overview of the essential toys that will assist in stimulating your baby though each milestone.
Newborn
At this age a baby’s most important toy is his parents who will respond to him with goos and gaas and facial expressions. Babies may also benefit from:
At this age a baby’s most important toy is his parents who will respond to him with goos and gaas and facial expressions. Babies may also benefit from:
- Toys with a variety of textures to touch and feel
- Mobiles with sharp color contrasts such as black and white
- Brightly colored toys that baby can suck on are good
- Toys that play a tune are good to listen to
- 6 months
At this age babies become a little more interactive and will enjoy playing with the following items: - Rattle
- Hanging pram toys - a variety is good and can be swapped each week
- Soft ball
- Soft toys
- Mirror
- Simple noise making toys
- Activity playmat
- Cloth books
9 months
At this age babies like to explore a wide range of different objects. They especially enjoy different textures, colors and shapes. A variety of household items can be enjoyable to explore for example - paper, boxes, pieces of cloth, pots and pans. Other appropriate toys include:
At this age babies like to explore a wide range of different objects. They especially enjoy different textures, colors and shapes. A variety of household items can be enjoyable to explore for example - paper, boxes, pieces of cloth, pots and pans. Other appropriate toys include:
- Blocks
- Pop up toys
- Spinning toys
- Activity centre
- Balls that make noise when rolled
- Board books
- Different size boxes
- Blocks
- Stacking rings
- Stacking cups
- Noise making toys ie bells, maracas, xylophone or castanets
- Large ball
- Books
16 months
At this stage toddlers can begin to engage in pretend play. Toys such as a telephone, airplane or doll with bedding can be fun to play with. Other appropriate toys include;
At this stage toddlers can begin to engage in pretend play. Toys such as a telephone, airplane or doll with bedding can be fun to play with. Other appropriate toys include;
- Peg and hammer toy
- Thick crayons and large pad of paper
- A car that can be pushed
- Tea set
- A toy on a string that can be pulled
- A walker
- Books
- Shape sorter
20 months
At this stage toddlers should be encouraged to engage in pretend play as well as continue to investigate items. Some toy ideas include:
At this stage toddlers should be encouraged to engage in pretend play as well as continue to investigate items. Some toy ideas include:
- Simple jigsaws
- Playdough
- Toys that float and sink
- Pretend food and dishes
- Toy broom or vacuum cleaner
- Toy tools
- Doll’s pram and bed
- Rolling pin or cutter for playdough
- Color matching game
- Jack in the box
- Doll’s house with furniture
- Farm with animals
- Garage with vehicles
- Truck for the sand pit
- Giant beads and string
- Different shaped containers for water play
- Books
