Learning through play is the quickest way your child learns and is one of the most important
needs your child has. Toys play an important role in helping your child develop and grow.
You need a few well-chosen toys to support your child’s play. It is useful to consider what makes a toy fun and useful for learning
through play to help you select the best toys for your child.
What To Consider When Choosing Toys For Your Child
Safety
When selecting toys for your child, it is important that it meets his correct skill level and is safe. Try and avoid toys with
small parts or parts that might come off as these can be very dangerous for your child who likes exploring with his mouth.
Durability
Sturdy toys, washable toys and toys that can withstand your child’s exploration through his mouth such as chewing or dropping,
shaking, banging and throwing are the most cost-effective toys. These types of toys last longer and can be used without been
replaced for a very long time.
Age-appropriateness
Promote challenge and learning through play with toys that uses a skill beyond your child's present ability.
All Ages Fun
Toys that grow with your child and are versatile in their use, offer endless play and learning opportunities.
Doing or Watching
Toys which allow your child to actively explore, create, imitate, do and have fun while learning and practising new things
are the best toys.
Choosing Toys
Birth to 3 months
Choose toys that engage your child's senses such as brightly coloured toys. Contrasting patterns and images will attract his gaze,
develop focus and strengthen eye muscles. Toys such as baby play gym
promote large muscle movement and physical growth.
A selection of soft, textured toys to shake, squeak, and press provide lots of entertainment. For soothing and comforting choose
soft musical toys.
3 to 6 months
Between the ages of 3 and 6 months, your child enjoy toys that he can chew. Choose
colourful teethers that he can use to explore with his
mouth. Toys that promote reaching, grasping and moving are good for him as he learns to sit up.
Pop-up toys, bricks, rattles, balls and push/pull toys encourage his physical movement and help him learn concepts like 'cause and effect'.
Soft dolls and cuddly animals with interesting faces and big eyes are always a favourite comforter. Material and board books to share offer
a relaxing play time and can foster language and literacy skills.
6 to 12 months
Choose toys that promote chasing and finding as he begins to move around the house independently.
Soft balls to roll and catch encourage
him to crawl. Blocks and bricks to build up and knock down, and musical instruments to bang, shake and blow encourage hand-eye co-ordination.
Stacking toys help him learn how things fit together and dump trucks, buckets and blocks support his interest in filling and emptying
containers. Collection of textured and flap books encourage exploring and turning the pages of the book.
Click here to learn more about learning through plays.
See Also...
