Choosing the right play gift for kids, that is both fun and educational, can be a hard task. Kids play toys can stimulate brain and help them grow, but since in different phases, different abilities develop, what is exciting to a one year old one, may not be to a four one. Informing yourself about what stage the child is in, can be a good starting point before hitting the store. Here are some guidelines that may help you to pick the right age -appropriate toy.
Toys for Newborns to 6 Months
At this stage everything is new to a baby as the are slowly starting to learn about the things that surround them. They show affection to objects and try to reach or put them in the mouth. Now that the senses are beginning to work together, if vising a small baby, make sure to gift sensory-stimulating toy like one with bright colours, contrasts and textures. Exposure to shapes and sizes will help babies recognise basic concepts like round and square shapes. Some great kids play toys include rattles, soft and squeezing toys – colourful things that are easy to hold, shake and make noise.
Toys for Older Infants 6 to 12 Months
Older babies are movers, from standing up, to sitting, bouncing and rolling over. They learn to understand about cause and effect. Since their muscles strengthen up and now they can lift heavier objects, this is the period to introduce them to action/reaction toys with moving parts and things to drop and take out, like balls, plastic bowls, large beads, nesting toys and building blocks. Although not the same for every kid, but this is when they are likely to develop their first teeth so teething rings that can soothe gums are also a good idea.
Toys for Toddlers from One to Three Years
During this time, intellectual, social, and emotional changes happen as kids learn how to communicate and complete sentences, so playing CDs with songs helps with memorisation and repetition. Stuff like child-sized furniture, kitchen sets, play food, dress-up clothes, dolls, sand and water play toys will lift their imagination when pretending a play, which is important for social interaction and language practice.
Toys for Preschool Kids Age Three to Five
This is when a child is going form infancy toward the preschool years. Now that they have longer attention span and can be engaged in different activities like swimming, skating and dancing, things like bicycles and helmets, playing tents, swings and trampolines could keep every kid stay active and happy.