Question: What Type Of Toys Are Right For My Toddler?
Answer: Toddlers are a bundle of fun! Infants at this stage are full of energy, raring to explore everything around them. They love to do all kinds of physical activities like pulling, pushing, lugging, knocking down, emptying and filling. They love looking at picture books, and can identify pictures easily. Some kids may also scribble on papers. They are at their peak of their curiosity where they have to touch and investigate everything they see. Toddlers also love to imitate adults in tasks like cleaning and housekeeping.
Popular toddler toys at this age include action toys, cause and effect toys and challenging toys. Above all, it is most important that all toys follow the safety standards as described in the Toy Safety Checklist. Some popular toys for toddlers at this age range include:
- Push and Pull Toys (preferably ones which make noise/music)
- Ride-Ons with no pedals (pushed with feet)
- Stacking blocks Why blocks?
- Simple puzzles Why puzzles?
- Pop-Up Toys
- Shape Sorters
- Large lightweight balls
- Bath Toys See examples
- Toys with turning/unscrewing/lock-key activities
- Musical Toys with Shaking/Banging operation
- Simple Dolls (avoid the ones with loose hair)
- Crayons and Paper
- For older toddlers, clay, chalk and boards
- Books preferably sturdy plastic/cloth/colorful ones with big pictures
- Simple Role Play Toys
- For older toddlers, pretend playsets like garages, airports, dollhouses etc See other Activity Toys
- Simple Toy Vehicles - plastic