Best Baby Toys vs. Best Toddler Toys
Baby toys should be fun, motivational and educational.
The best baby toys from newborns to 12 months old are easy to spot.
Below we explore the best toddler toys and best Montessori baby toys. Plus more!
Best Baby Toys:
Toys are synonymous with childhood. Whether you’ve just had a new addition to your family or you currently have an energetic toddler running around.
Toys have the ability to stimulate imagination in your baby and give your toddler new, exciting experiences.
Every child’s world becomes brightly colored when interacting with these educational treasures.
We’ve compiled a short list to give you the best baby toys and toddler toys for the different age groups to help get a head start on their learning.
What Are The Best Baby Toys?
Baby toys can develop young imaginations and engage the senses. Baby toys can be held, shaken, sucked on and make noise.
Avoid baby toys with small pieces (under 2 inches) that can become a choking hazard.
A few examples for toddlers are crayons, books, blocks, dolls, play figures, automobiles, trains and animals. All of these things will engage the imagination.
The best baby toys are used to explore and unlock the imagination.
The imagination of a child knows no bounds.
Find what they enjoy most and nurture the activity. Sensory play is big for a toddler at this stage. The best baby toys are highly durable and age appropriate.
Baby Toys For Newborns
Newborns are still at the phase of not being very mobile.
So a key thing to remember is to ensure your cherub has toys that are intriguing to the eye (brightly colored) and ears (has sound).
All of the types of newborn toys listed below are engaging in this way.
Baby Toys For Newborns:
Sensory toys (activity mats, mirror toys, teething toys, security blankets)
Tummy time toys (tummy time mats)
Developmental toys (jumparoos, baby gyms)
Musical toys (rattles, mobiles)
Educational toys (stacking toys, rings, or blocks)
While there is no official guidance on toys like jumperoos, these types of toys should be used after babies are 4 months old.
Make sure they can hold their head up on their own.
Some people think it best to wait until after 6 months old. Check age recommendations on toy packaging and gauge how developed your baby is for best practices.
Best Baby Toys For 1 Year Old
This is the stage where your baby becomes a little more independent. They will be more active and will want to do more on their own.
The best types of toys are those that stimulate your baby physically, sensory-wise, and developmentally.
The best baby toys for 1 year olds need to open up the world of language, and motor skills.
Baby Toys For 1 Year Old:
Educational toys (activity cubes, shape sorters, wooden jigsaws)
Language development (word books)
Developmental toys (rocking horses, learning walker)
Musical instrument toys
Fine motor skills toys (building blocks)
Activity cubes are a great way to have multiple toys in one.
Moving beads through a maze or sorting out different shapes is engaging. An educational investment that your baby will love.
Best Toddler Toys For Boys
The best toddler toys for boys are more mobile and busier than girls.
Being active and stimulated is key for your son. He will develop his physical skills and explore the world around him.
Below are some of the best toys that you could purchase for your son in aid of his toddler adventures.
Toddler Toys For Boys:
Developmental toys (tough trike, toddler slide, mini sports-centered toys)
Fine motor skills toys (writing tablets, construction sets)
Educational toys (shape sorters, word books, magna tiles)
Sensory toys (water table playsets, tent tunnels)
Entertainment (racing tracks)
Musical toys (toddler drum set)
Best Toddler Toys For Girls
The best toddler toys for girls can vary from boys.
Toddler girls may be more interested in toys that allow them to engage in role-play.
This is an age where girls like to copy the adults around them and also enjoy activities that spark creativity.
Toddlers are like sponges that soak up everything around them. There are many toys that you can choose from to keep your little girl mentally stimulated.
Toddler Toys For Girls:
Sensory toys (water play, tent tunnels)
Educational toys (shape sorters, word books, mosaic peg boards)
Imaginative play (play food set, kids art easel, interactive doll house)
Musical toys (piano mats)
Fine motor skills (writing tablets)
Best Montessori Baby Toys
Montessori schools are respected all over the world. The system offers a unique take on the traditional school system of today.
The Montessori Method consists of child-centered activities in a classroom with kids of all different ages.
A teaching environment focused around independence and secular in nature.
Dr. Maria Montessori was the founder and visionary of the Montessori Method. The Association Montessori International (AMI) was opened and established in 1929.
Montessori Baby Toys:
Maria Montessori created a refreshing way to teach the young kids of tomorrow.
There are currently 20,000 Montessori schools in 110 countries worldwide.
When Buying Baby Toys
As you can see, there’s an array of options out there for your baby.
From newborn to toddler, toys can create a great educational opportunity for families.
Make sure that you’re buying toys for correct ages and get ones that have good durability.
Whether you’re looking for the best baby toys for boys or girls, make playing engaging and stimulating for your little one.
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