| Toys are a fundamental part of your child’s | | | | age. This can include walking toys that can be |
| physical and social development. Toys should help | | | | pushed, baby carriages or small grocery carts. Little |
| develop and enhance imagination and creativity skills. | | | | people like to mimic big people, so toy kitchens and |
| Toys and games are also important for | | | | telephones can make them feel just like the |
| problem-solving. What type of toy should you get? It | | | | grown-ups. |
| would depend on the age of the child. You want toys | | | | 3. Ages 3 – 5We have become REALLY mobile. |
| that will stimulate the child's mind, stretching the | | | | A tricycle is a great gift for this age group. Motor |
| child’s abilities, but not to the point the child | | | | skills and reasoning continue to develop, so puzzles |
| becomes frustrated or so little that the child either | | | | with large pieces are a good choice. |
| becomes bored with the toy or lazy physically or | | | | 4. Age 5 – 9 |
| mentally. | | | | Peer pressure hits this age group with a force, and it |
| So what is the answer? Here are a few guidelines: | | | | is important to keep them learning, so make certain |
| 1. InfantsThey are intrigued by shapes, colors, and | | | | they have appropriate computer games and sports |
| anything that makes a sound. Baby gyms are | | | | equipment. There are age-appropriate science kits |
| excellent educational toys because of the variety of | | | | available. Kids will love to strap on outdoor gear and |
| stimulation they offer. Baby gyms have bright colors, | | | | explore their world. |
| a variety of attachments with different shapes, | | | | Remember toys are more than just entertainment. |
| textures, and sounds. They require baby to pull, kick, | | | | They are a fundamental part of your child’s |
| or bat something to set off a stimulus helping to | | | | development. Keep in mind the child’s level of |
| develop motor skills. For quiet time, settle down with | | | | development and current interest and select age |
| some cloth or vinyl books and introduce the world of | | | | appropriate toys for that criteria. |
| reading. | | | | Want to learn what age appropriate toys there |
| 2. Ages 1 – 3Children are mobile and busy at this | | | | are? |