Baby Toys Buying Guide: How to Choose by Age
It's important to select age-appropriate toys for your child. Buying an item that is too advanced for a newborn can lead to a frustrated baby and could be a possible safety hazard. Alternatively, picking a toy that is aimed at infants and giving it to a toddler will be a waste of money and result in a bored child. When making a toy purchase, consider the particular skills you want to enhance and the toy's construction (i.e. wooden toys  vs. battery-operated toys ). Before making your purchase, read the safety guidelines and instructions. Finally, have a little fun. Look for attractive colors and textures that will be sure to capture a child's attention. Please see the Toy Resources Page for external links with thorough information on product recalls, reviews, and more.
Quick Picks
Here are some quick picks to get started right away on your search for the perfect toy. These cute toys are great for babies. Uncomplicated and soft, they are perfect for delicate hands. Additionally, by choosing toys without small and detachable parts, you decrease the chances your baby will pull it off and put it in his or her mouth. These can be very dangerous and harmful to your fragile infant. Toys can get more complex as your baby gets older to match his or her expanding mind. Toddlers need toys that involve more activity and exploration in order to satisfy their curiosity.
Stage One: Baby's First Toys
A newborn is experiencing everything for the very first time. At this tender stage, toys should facilitate a baby's learning and stimulate their senses. Although their senses aren't fully developed, babies are looking for ways to use them to satisfy his or her curiosity. They are drawn to contrasting colors, rich textures, and playful sounds. Simple toys are best to help newborns develop their visual focus and muscular control. During the first few months, babies will be carefully observing their world, make their first impressions count! When the child is confined to a crib or carseat, mobiles and activity bars are a great way to keep them entertained. Plush toys and noise-makers are terrific for "tummy time" as the child builds head and neck strength and develops hand-eye coordination. Playmats and activity centers can keep a child amused with bright lights, objects, and sounds. Musical toys are great, but be careful, sharp sounds can be harmful to a baby's sensitive ears. A baby tends to bring everything to his or her mouth, so make sure all toys are made with clean and soft material. Toys can also help sooth babies as they teeth and make bath time more enjoyable.
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Stage Two: Little Explorers
They feel more comfortable in their environments and are ready to explore. At this stage, a child can confidently control their head and might have started to crawl. All of their senses have become more complex and they need toys that will help them develop them further. These little tots are ready to experiment with new types of toys. For the first time, they will be able to interact with their toys, this means the toys need to be more durable and more advanced. Stuffed animals, blocks, and cardboard books are perfect at this stage. Look for toys that will facilitate their need to move and start comprehending concepts like reading and building. Stacking toys and pop-up toys are great toy ideas to develop baby's problem-solving skills. Any toys that will further stimulate all of the senses are good. So musical toys, light-up toys or toys that can be pushed or pulled are perfect for developing all of his or her locomotive skills.
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Stage Three: Baby on the Run
Once a baby is walking, keeping them entertained and out of trouble is a big job. Toddlers, from 1-2 years old, have incredible amounts of energy. These little balls of energy can explore most areas of the home and they need toys to channel their energy and enable them to learn. Favorite toddler games involve mimicking adult activities, such as cooking, cleaning, doing yard work or playing house. Toddlers want to listen to music, talk on phones and drive cars. Hence, look-alikes toys are quite popular. Spending time outdoors is a great way to wear a toddler out. They can run around more easily in a yard or a park with less sharp corners to bump their head on. Kids at this age will be ready for sand boxes and balls. Toddlers are working on their fine-motor skills and they are ready to tackle puzzles and interactive books. By age 2, toddlers will also be ready for simple, and supervised, arts and crafts projects. And don't forget about bath-time fun --these toys will encourage a child to scrub up and start taking care of their own needs. You may want to look into getting some child proof gates to also help keep them out of trouble.
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Stage Four: Preschool Preparation
By age 3, children are ready to care for their own basic needs. They are becoming increasingly independent and are speaking for themselves, mastering potty-training, and starting to prepare for school. Preschoolers can manage many arts and crafts projects. Some will be able to follow along when reading books and can recite the alphabet and count. Books, puzzles and other toys they may encounter in kindergarten are great ways to entertain a preschooler. Pretend toys are still important, and playing "house" and "school" will be popular pastimes. Sports equipment, board games, and building kits are great toys to teach your child about fair play, sharing and teamwork. Keep in mind that by this age, gender specific toys will also become available. Don't be shy about getting a doll for your son (to teach him about button, zippers, etc.) and a football for your daughter (to teach her about the importance of fitness and exercise).
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