Choosing the Right Toddler Toy - Some Thoughts

Knowing which toy to pickwell with play-sets such as an airport or station a
Although toddlers will already have specificsure-fire hit.
preferences in terms of toys and games they like it'sDon't think that toddlers are too young for books.
best to check with the parents before buying a toy.It's wise to pick hard board books in general here as
Kids own a lot of stuff nowadays and this will, atsmall fingers find paper too easy to tear which can
least, avoid duplication. Most importantly it will helpsometimes be more fun than actually reading! Look
make sure that the toy is something that they willfor books with flaps and pop-ups and ones that
like playing with and that it is right for their age andintroduce them to things such as animals, letters and
developmental stages.numbers.
The fact is that kids will play more with toys theyCreative play is also helpful at this age -- chunky
like -- so, they'll get more benefits from them. And,crayons and paint brushes can help a toddler develop
getting the age and developmental stage rightfine motor skills. Drawing and painting can also help
maximises their potential for learning.them start to work with colours and to use their
Toddler toysimagination.
There are all kinds of toddler toys to choose from --Don't forget about physical play here either. Toddlers
many will help them develop mentally whilst otherswill benefit from outdoor toys such as swings and
will help them develop physically.slides, climbing frames and play apparatus. Look at
For example, toddlers love handling toys andride-ons and push toys to help with balance and
particularly enjoy playing with balls, bricks and blockswalking and don't forget tricycles and scooters.
and smaller toys such as character figures, dolls andConclusion
soft toys. They enjoy toys with which they canSafety is still a big issue with toddlers -- they still tend
interact and role play so look out for toy phones,to put things in their mouths so avoid toys with small
kitchens and play food and animals and people. Thingsparts that could choke them. Look for British
with buttons to press and noises to make will alwaysStandards accreditation such as a Kite Mark, the Lion
appeal as well.Mark or the CE or EN rating. These marks show that
Vehicles are also a big hit here -- for girls as well asthe toy has passed certain standards and is safe to
boys. Trains, cars, boats and planes will all go downuse.