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Toys serve as a children’s ‘tools,’ and can provide excellent learning opportunities for young minds. The following article contains helpful tips and guidelines to provide parents with the assistance they need to find the best educational toys for their children.
Finding Educational Toys for Babies
Babies grow and develop at incredible rates in their first year of life. Expect their interests to change rapidly as well.
0-4 months
At this age, your infant will most enjoy soothing toys he or she can look at or listen to. Choose toys that will appeal to your baby’s senses of sight, hearing and touch, such as mobiles or wind chimes.
5-8 months
Your baby will now be learning to sit, scoot, and then crawl. He or she will find it easier to grasp and manipulate toys at this age. Look for soft vinyl or cloth books, large blocks, rattles and busy boards.
9-12 months
You’ll notice your baby becoming increasingly more mobile, crawling, standing, and walking with help. Children at this stage want to have more control over the world around them, they will want to make things happen. Look for musical instruments (drum, shakers, a simple xylophone), push/pull toys, or shape sorters.
Best Bets:
- Floor activity centers
- Crib gyms
- Teething toys
- Vinyl or Cloth books
- Busy boards
- Soft musical toys
- Rattles
- Shape sorters
- Musical toys
Keeping Your Baby Safe
- Remember, all toys can become dangerous if they are not taken care of properly. Check toys regularly for broken or loose parts and repair or discard older toys.
- Watch for mislabeled toys. Make sure every toy is age appropriate and safe by testing it out before letting your child play with it.
- Stuffed animals and cuddly toys can present a smothering hazard. Always remove them from the crib while your child is sleeping. Make sure all buttons, eye and nose pieces are firmly attached.
- Avoid toys with small parts; any toy that can fit inside a paper towel roll is too small for a baby to play with.
- Make sure toys are sturdy and durable. Avoid anything that is easily broken.
- Stay away from large heavy toys that could injure your baby if it fell over on them.
- Avoid toys that have a string or cord longer than 12 inches that could present a strangulation hazard. Remove mobiles from your baby’s crib when he or she begins to stand and climb.
Finding Educational Toys for Toddlers
One and two year old children learn and grow at incredible rates. They have now mastered simple toys like rattles, and are ready for toys that can be manipulated and controlled. At this age, children enjoy toys that can be stacked, sorted and dumped.
Toddlers tend to stay very physically active, and at times they can seem to have boundless energy. Keep them busy with balls, or toys with wheels than can be pushed or ridden on.
Children at this age are also naturally very inquisitive; provide toys that allow them to explore their world through hands on activity. Puzzles or toys that are meant to be taken apart are great choices to help toddlers satisfy their curiosity.
Best Bets
Finding Educational Toys for Preschoolers
At age three to four, most children are very active and curious. They enjoy watching and imitating adults and other children, and tend to interact with children their own age more than they did as toddlers.
Encourage their emerging creativity by providing plenty of make believe items. Play telephones, tool sets, kitchens or medical kits allow children to safely imitate adults with learning about the world around them.
Provide preschoolers with plenty of materials for arts and crafts projects, they’ll enjoy the chance to express themselves creatively.
Best Bets
Finding Educational Toys for Children
As children move into their school years, they begin to develop distinct interests. Toys for this age group should provide opportunities for skill development and creativity. From science kits, to kits for making jewelry or model airplanes, the choices are endless. Let your child’s unique interests influence the toys you buy.
By now, most children have learned most of their basic skills and are ready to refine and further develop their talents. They’ll enjoy challenging themselves with puzzles and games.
At this age, they’ll be ready for computer games, but be careful you buy ones that are developmentally appropriate for your child. Avoid violent or mindless games and seek out ones that are educational yet fun.
Best Bets
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