When choosing a toy for a child of any age, it is important to make sure that it stimulates the imagination or the physical development of a child. Books at any age are important for language and communication development and for the development of imagination and creativity. Electronics or even some mechanical toys will be fun and stimulating in the beginning, but later the child loses interest in them. Also, less is better; rather have a few exciting toys than a pile of toys the child does not even want to play with.

Infants need toys to put in their mouths since that’s how they explore their world. Later, they will soothe the pain of teething by biting their toys. Choose natural, non-toxic materials. When a baby will be spending more time on her tummy on the floor, she is already able to try to reach items with her hands. So any exciting toy on the floor will catch her attention; these include cars, trains, and small toys with wheels. This will naturally encourage the baby to move and start crawling.

When a child is 1-3 years old, they learn by using their senses. Creating small boxes with – preferably – natural items stimulating all 5 senses will allow the toddler to explore and create different types of play. Toddlers also like to transport things. That’s why cars and strollers, or simple boxes are fascinating for children. Children will also love to stack and build, so different types of blocks and connectors are popular. Remember at this age, children will use more and more of their own imagination and creativity. The empty cardboard box or log of wood could be the best toy ever!

Around the age of 3 years, children start playing more together and create social rules to their play. Their imagination plays a bigger part and children are often enjoying role play, where they can create their own worlds. Costumes, toy kitchens, garages, playhouses, etc. are going to be more in use at this age. Additionally, children will enjoy all forms of creative art.

There is no right and wrong in terms of toys. Most important is to allow the child to choose and not let our own prejudice stop children from using their imagination. As mentioned, the best toy is the one stimulating a child’s imagination. And in most cases that’s the simplest item available.

Choosing the right toys to support your child’s development

Infants need toys to put in their mouths since that’s how they explore their world. Later, they will soothe the pain of teething by biting their toys. Choose natural, non-toxic materials. When a baby will be spending more time on her tummy on the floor, she is already able to try to reach items with her hands. So any exciting toy on the floor will catch her attention; these include cars, trains, and small toys with wheels. This will naturally encourage the baby to move and start crawling.

When a child is 1-3 years old, they learn by using their senses. Creating small boxes with – preferably – natural items stimulating all 5 senses will allow the toddler to explore and create different types of play. Toddlers also like to transport things. That’s why cars and strollers, or simple boxes are fascinating for children. Children will also love to stack and build, so different types of blocks and connectors are popular. Remember at this age, children will use more and more of their own imagination and creativity. The empty cardboard box or log of wood could be the best toy ever!

Around the age of 3 years, children start playing more together and create social rules to their play. Their imagination plays a bigger part and children are often enjoying role play, where they can create their own worlds. Costumes, toy kitchens, garages, playhouses, etc. are going to be more in use at this age. Additionally, children will enjoy all forms of creative art.

There is no right and wrong in terms of toys. Most important is to allow the child to choose and not let our own prejudice stop children from using their imagination. As mentioned, the best toy is the one stimulating a child’s imagination. And in most cases that’s the simplest item available.