Toddler's Advice

Toddlers are learning to walk, learning to run, and exploring their world in full force with all five senses. Toys that stimulate their curiosity and aid in their development are the best choices at this age. Toddlers have graduated from their baby toys, needing traditional toys that encourage more manipulation with fingers and hands and toys that develop large muscles, but they have not yet developed all the skills needed to play with preschool traditional toys. There are a wide selection of toys available that are designed just for the toddler age and offer lots of opportunities for development and learning.

Push and pull toys are often favorites of toddlers. Push toys allow toddlers to practice walking and are great for balancing during the first steps, while pull toys are best for those who are already walking to gain more of a mastery of balance and coordination. Push and pull toys that create sounds or lights with movement are especially delightful to toddlers.

Blocks and stacking toys are also appropriate toddler traditional toys. Look for blocks that are too large to fit inside a child’s mouth with simple, easy to manipulate shapes. Stacking toys that encourage size discrimination are excellent for enhancing cognitive development and logical thinking.

Foot powered ride on toys are enjoyed by most toddlers. These scooter styled ride ons develop large muscles used to walk, run, and jump, and are available in many designs to spur imaginative play and creativity. Many ride on toys are available in convertible models that include a detachable handle for an adult pushed ride until the toddler is ready to power herself.

Simple puzzles and activity toys are ideal choices for educational traditional toys. Wooden puzzles with one large piece or no more than five big pieces are easy for toddlers to manipulate. Toys with buttons and knobs that cause noises, lights, or things to pop up are perfect for developing problem solving skills, as well as fine motor.

Books are good, quality traditional toys at any age. Toddlers will do best with thick, chunky board books. These books are designed for young children that may rip pages or chew corners. Board books typically have lots of colorful pictures that attract the attention of toddlers. They are great to read aloud at story time or for toddlers to explore on their own.

Soft dolls without loose hair and stuffed animals are toys that many toddlers cherish into their preschool years. Look for stuffed toys that feature painted or sewn facial features to avoid choking hazards. Encourage your toddler to engage in pretend play by providing baby blankets and toy doll furniture as props for playtime.

Toddlers are developing large muscle skills at a very rapid rate. Encourage this development with soft, squishy balls to roll, bounce, toss, and kick. Beanbags are also great toys to develop arm muscles as well as hand and eye coordination.

The best traditional toys for toddlers are those that are simple to use, yet invites the child to think and explore various outcomes. Toddler toys should stimulate their natural curiosity and lead them to discover new skills. Traditional toys that exercise large motor skills are also ideal for toddlers.

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Gary Clay is an authority on traditional toysand owner of MonkeyShine the stylish kids shop selling a wide range of wooden toys

Before getting into tips on buying toys for a toddler, the standard definition of a toddler is that of an infant now attempting to walk. Know as the “terrible twos”, this is typically between the ages or twelve months to two years old. However the term has been applied up to children ages one to three years.

Selecting toys for toddlers can be a fun task, as there are so many options to choose from. Since development changes progress quickly during the toddler stages, the child’s interests can fluctuate. The toy they couldn’t part with several months ago may now be sitting in a corner collecting dust. To keep the toddler’s interest, a plaything that is bright and colorful and makes noise is a plus. A good toy selection is one that is used with their new found mobility.

There are a myriad of toys for toddlers that assist with their new upright position. Another thip is to get stationary playthings that they can grab and hold onto as it will help them develop their ability to stand. These will also assist with balance development as they inch their way around the object. A good example is a workbench or kitchen appliance toy. Since toddlers begin to mimic adult activity and behaviors, these directly relate to the parent’s world. Ensure that the free standing toy you buy is safe, sturdy and rated for a toddler’s use. Typically these items are of wood or plastic construction.

Another great selection for the child is toys for toddlers that assist or enable mobility. The toddler can use the object for balance while on the go. The addition of sound in the plaything just enhances the toddler’s mobile experience. A toy vacuum or a doll stroller can provide that little something to hold onto while exploring their world. The traditional “walker popper” with its bright balls and popping noises has long been a favorite of toddlers worldwide.

Walking is not the only skill that develops during the toddler years. Dexterity and hand-eye coordination progress rapidly during this period. Toys for toddlers that assist in honing these skills are entertaining and promote development. Select playthings that involve connecting bright colored objects, such as large snap beads or building blocks. Another superlative choice is a toy where shapes are fitted into matching slots or holes. Large piece puzzles on a cut-out tray will also promote coordination and dexterity. Play toys that require a “screwing” motion instead of just a “placing” motion are great for toddlers who have attained a higher level of hand-eye coordination.

For a toddler with new found mobility, every experience is educational, providing new insights to their world. Selecting toys for toddlers that compliment this stage in their development is always appropriate. It cannot be emphasized enough, however, that the child’s safety is tantamount. Verify the playthings age rating prior to making your purchase. As long as you have chosen a toy that fits well with the toddler’s stage in development, the child will be pleased. Providing playthings that occupy the child’s attention while assisting in their development can help make the twos less terrible.

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