1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Toys

Q. What Type Of Toys Are Right For My Toddler?

By Dipika Mirpuri, About.com

A. 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.

Toys that are popular with toddlers 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:

  1. Push and Pull Toys (preferably ones which make noise/music)
  2. Ride-Ons with no pedals (pushed with feet)
  3. Stacking blocks
  4. Simple puzzles
  5. Pop-Up Toys
  6. Shape Sorters
  7. Large lightweight balls
  8. Floating Toys
  9. Toys with turning/unscrewing/lock-key activities
  10. Musical Toys with Shaking/Banging operation
  11. Simple Dolls (avoid the ones with loose hair)
  12. Crayons and Paper
  13. For older toddlers, clay, chalk and boards
  14. Books preferably sturdy plastic/cloth/colorful ones with big pictures
  15. Simple Role Play Toys
  16. For older toddlers, pretend playsets like garages, airports, dollhouses etc
  17. Simple Toy Vehicles - plastic

Explore Toys

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Parenting & Family
  3. Toys
  4. Toys by Age
  5. Buying the Right Toy For Your Toddler - Ages 1 to 3 Years

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.