Toddler Toys

Age Guidelines

Most toys have suggested age guidelines printed on the package. These guidelines are there for a very important reason. You should not buy toys for a toddler that are labeled for children older than that child.

Safety Issues for Toddler Toys

One of the main reasons that toy manufacturers place age guidelines on a package is to prevent accidents from occurring. For example, toys that are labeled for three-year-olds and older would not be appropriate for a one-year-old maybe because the toy contains small parts that could be choking hazards.

Battery powered ride-on toys that are labeled for five-year-olds and older, should not be given to a three-year-old because their motor skills haven't developed enough to handle the extra power that the ride-on toy might have.

Cognitive Development

Another reason that toys are labeled for age appropriateness has to do with cognitive development. Many toys are actually educational, but if you were to buy a toddler a toy that is actually more suited for an older child, you aren't going to make that child more intelligent, instead you are going to frustrate him. It is much more important to give a toddler a toy that best fits his current skill level.

Types of Toddler Toys

There are many different types of toys that toddlers enjoy, and as your toddler grows, his preference in toys will change.

Stacking Toys

Toddlers of all ages love blocks. In the beginning, a toddler may only grab a block in each hand and bang them together. As he grows, however, he'll discover how to stack blocks to build something.

Pull Toddler Toys

Remember the pull toys you had as a child? Well, they are still around, albeit fancier than in the past, and your toddler will love them as much as you did. Try to find pull toys that play music, say the "ABC's", or make some other type of noise.

Push Toddler Toys

Once your toddler begins walking, she'll enjoy pushing things in front of her. At first, she won't know how to maneuver around furniture. Eventually though, she'll get the hang of it. Play lawnmowers and vacuum cleaners make great toys for your little one.

Small Toddler Toys

At this poin t, your child is moving away from the larger stationary toys that made lots of sounds and had lots of lights. Instead, he will be more interested in toys he can manipulate, such as automobiles, small animals, small furniture, etc. There are a variety of toy sets complete with people, vehicles, animals, etc, that your child will love. Look for themed toy sets, such as farms, zoos, houses, garages, etc., but make sure they are labeled age appropriate for your toddler.

Puzzles

Puzzles are vast sources of fascination to toddlers. Of course, in the beginning, all your little one will be able to do is remove the pieces and pile them up. As he grows, though, he'll soon learn how the pieces fit together. Look for puzzles that have small knobs on the pieces for easier handling, and look for puzzles made of ten pieces or less for your little one to enjoy.

Bubbles

Bubbles are an endless source of fascination for a toddler. Of course, you'll be the one who has to actually blow the bubbles, but you and your baby will have lots of fun watching her try to catch each bubble you make. As she gets a little older, you might buy her a bubble gun or bubble machine for easier bubble making.

Books

Toddlers adore books, and most of the time they have their very own favorites. This might mean that you have to read that same book over and over, but who cares? Be sure you leave plenty of books within reach of your toddler so that he can read whenever he likes.

Spending a Small Fortune?

While it might be tempting to buy your toddler every new toy that you run across, keep in mind that she will quickly grow out of it and want something new. You can often find toys at yard sales and consignment shops for a fraction of what you would pay for new toys. Many of these may be in great shape. One of the best things you can do, however, is continue to make her old toys appear to be new ones. How do you do that? All you have to do is put a few of her toys away for a few days once she has lost interest in them. After a week or so, bring those toys back out. Don't be surprised if she acts as if they are the greatest toys she has!

You and your toddler can have lots of fun shopping for and playing with all of her toddler toys. Just remember to pay attention to the age guidelines, don't go overboard on your buying expedition, and above all, enjoy your time together!

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