Toddler Toys
I use the term "toddler" loosely here, meaning any child that can pick up and interact with a toy. Basically, any kid from about 9 or 10 months on, though some develop this ability sooner or later. Here are a few toys that I've either experienced at the Daycares where I have worked, or Lucas owns.
In general, when picking out toys for babies and toddlers, you want to make sure that they are age and developmentally appropriate for those children who will be playing with the toys. Look for toys that are too large to be swallowed, will not break easily, isn't sharp, has dangerous pinch-points, and is of course, non-toxic. If all else fails, just follow the age recommendations on the package.
In general, when picking out toys for babies and toddlers, you want to make sure that they are age and developmentally appropriate for those children who will be playing with the toys. Look for toys that are too large to be swallowed, will not break easily, isn't sharp, has dangerous pinch-points, and is of course, non-toxic. If all else fails, just follow the age recommendations on the package.
Elefun Busy Ball Popper
Clinton and I purchased this toy at Target on a whim, and more so for our entertainment than for Lucas'. As it turns out, it's pretty fun. At 10-months old, Lucas still doesn't get the entire concept of chasing the balls and putting them back into the Popper's cycle, but he likes to watch them pop out, and to dance with the music. He figured out how to turn it on almost immediately after opening the package, and loves to put his hand over the air flow.
The reason I'm giving this a "sideways thumb" rating is because it's REALLY loud. The blower motor sounds like a vacuum cleaner, and the music volume isn't adjustable. The toy is cute, but only for about 5 minutes, and then it just turns into a loud, annoying elephant. |
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Sit to Stand Learning Walker
Lucas really loves this vTech barn-themed walker. It has a ton of interactive buttons, which light up, sing songs, and teach colors, numbers, and animal sounds. The electronic portion has a volume control with two settings, an off switch, and an auto-off function. It rolls kind-of fast for Lucas' wobbly walking ability, but it seems to help him stand with stability and hold his interest. It works well on carpet and in small rooms.
One of the best features of this toy isn't listed in the description, which is the fact that the toy actually attaches and detaches from the walker quite easily. So your baby can play with the interactive barn on the floor while they are small, and grow into using the walker feature. There are many varieties of these walkers, get yours at Target . |
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Little People Noah's Ark
Lucas received this Fisher Price Little People Noah's Ark playset for Christmas before he was even born. At around 6 months, I pulled out the animals for him to play with, and he's been in love with it ever since. Now that he's a bit older, he plays with the Ark, too. I'm pretty sure that it's only safety rated for toddlers, but we've never had any issues with choking hazards or small pieces.
This particular set is a little difficult to find, but you can order it online from Toys R Us, and some other retailers. I wish that it came with more animals, or that you could order more online, but they're pretty difficult to track down, and very expensive once you do. |
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Melissa and Doug Puzzles
We had a TON of these Melissa and Doug puzzles at one of the Daycares where I worked. They're a little on the pricey side, but they're WELL worth the investment. They're made of very high quality and sturdy materials, and are sure to last for years and years, even with tons of abuse (and believe you me, those toddlers abused these puzzles!). The paint on the wood is very durable, and even with daily sanitation, never chipped, faded, or became distressed.
The company, Melissa and Doug, make TONS of toys, but their puzzles are some of my favorites. Don't forget to get the puzzle rack, it's worth the investment to keep your stuff organized! |
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Water Blocks
Here is another daycare favorite: water blocks. This company makes blocks filled with all sorts of stuff from beads to sand to various colorful liquid mixtures. The toddler favorite was always the shimmery water-filled ones. They're hard to track down at regular stores, but you can order them from Amazon, or different varieties from education supply stores such as Lakeshore.
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