Babies ages 0-6 months old are stepping into the stage of discovery. They try to discover basic things on their own, most likely on their hands, feet, eyes and most of their senses. They become aware and curious concerning their surroundings. Babies also love to see bright primary colors like yellow, red or blue. It should also be soft, light-weighted and easy for your baby to handle, to ensure your baby while playing his or her toy.
The most popular toys for young babies, involves toys for:
- Looking – to enhance their eye sight, at the same time, it helps them be familiarized with what surrounds them.
- Listening – to entertain and to make them interact with the things surrounding them.
- Sucking – to help them during their teething stage. It can also be a good help to ease their boredom.
When shopping for your child’s toys, opt for an item that is age-appropriate, entertaining, and at the same time, helps the brain and physical development of your child – a toy that will enhance their imagination and creativity. also baby toy reviews will help you make the right selection. We’ve broken down the most recommended items that are appropriate to your child’s age.
Birth to 6 months old
During this stage, babies are still unable to grasp objects using their hands, and their eyes can see only black and white (but as they grow older, their eyesights will develop). Basically, they prefer toys with such bright colors as these are more appealing to their eyes – as well as toys with sounds.
- Toys that they can hold and make noises – textured balls, rattles, squeeze toys, board book, stuffed animals, etc.
- Toys that they can listen to – recordings of lullabies, and books that come with nursery rhymes as you open each page.
- Toys that are appealing to their eyes – books that looked like it came to life (3Ds), or perhaps unbreakable mirrors so they can see themselves without smashing it.
6 months to 1 year old
At this stage, your child already loves to move around on his or her crib. They can sit, bounce, creep, and stand on their own. The usual things they like to play with are toys that can be dropped, stack up, and open and shut.
- Toys they can play pretend with – dolls, vehicles with wheels, etc.
- Toys that can be dropped or take out – balls, nesting toys and bath toys
- Toys that can be built – stack up toys, large soft blocks
- Toys that use their large muscles – larger balls, huge, interlocking rings or keys
1 to 2 years old (Toddlers)
Usually, one-year-olds can steadily walk or even climb stairs already. Their curiosities about the things that surrounds them are starting to build up. They like to experiment and imitate adults, too.
- Board books with photographs of real objects
- Anything that they can listen and sing to – recordings with nursery rhymes
- Art materials – non-toxic markers, crayons, and a paper
- Stuffed toys, plastic animals, doll houses, toy cars
- Things with solving problems – puzzles, block that snaps together
3 to 6 years old (Preschoolers and Kindergarteners)
At this age, they already know how to interact with their playmates – thus, longer attention span. They are fond of asking questions about certain things that seemed new to their eyes. Arts and crafts are the things they most likely to play with during this age.
- Things to create with – paper, crayons, colored markers (make sure the art materials you are about to purchase are non-toxic to avoid poisoning your child, for we know that they like to put things into their mouth – they might swallow it).
- Modeling clays, paper and cloth scraps for making their very first collage
- Books with even more realistic photographs
- Large or small balls (soccer ball toy, preferably) for kicking, throwing or catching
- When using iPads or computer, download apps that are interactive – with great quality of graphics and spoken instructions
6 to 9 years old (Gradeschoolers)
Children whose age is 6 to 9 years old enjoy playing games that make use of their skills such as, board games, kites, and many more. For girls, they like dressing up their dolls, and as for boys, they like to play pretend with their collection of action figurines.
- For outdoor playing – bicycle and helmet, jump ropes, ice or roller skates
- For indoor playing – jigsaw puzzles, video games, paper dolls, and action figurines
- For something creative – craft kits and other art supplies
Keep in mind the safety considerations before buying these toys for your child. Remember, safety comes first!