Choosing Toys for Toddlers
Your Toddler’s Developing Brain
Early experiences literally shape how the brain gets built, setting the foundation for learning, health and behaviour throughout life. Babies experience their surroundings through the five senses; everything they see, hear, feel, taste and smell is shaping the developing brain. Good quality sensory experiences build a strong foundation and increase the chances of positive outcomes. In the early years, play is a wonderful opportunity for children to learn about the world, and is essential for healthy social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.
Common Questions About Toys
Are there any educational benefits to sounds, lights and music?
A good rule of thumb is the more features the toy has, the less creative your child has to be. In many cases toys with lights, sound and music are presented as developmental. However, such toys are more likely to entertain your child than educate them. Can toys actually make my baby smarter as the advertisements claim? Most of these toys have little to no research supporting such claims. Be especially cautious when purchasing toys that increase screen time for your child (ie. DVDs, computer games, phone apps). Remember the more your child is encouraged to develop their own ideas during play, the more they will learn.
Guidelines to Follow
Play is essentially a toddler’s work . It allows for toddlers to practice important skills necessary for healthy development. Unfortunately, the toddler toy market has become overwhelming and it can be difficult to know which toys are best for your child. Below are a set of easy guidelines to help you choose the toys that are right for your toddler.
Toys that look like the real thing
As your toddler is exposed to more real life objects they become curious. Toddlers enjoy playing with “adult stuff” to be more like mom and dad. Look for toys that look like the real thing such as play food or cooking pans to help your toddler figure out how objects in their world work.
Examples: Plastic dishes, musical instruments, child-size brooms.
Toys that can be used in a variety of ways
Imagination is key! Toys that spark creativity aid in the development of problem solving and logical thinking skills. They can also help develop spatial relations and fine motor skills. Look for toys that can be played with in multiple ways and encourage exploration as these are the best toys for utilizing your child’s growing imagination. Examples: Blocks, nesting cups, large cardboard boxes, toys for sand and water play.
Toys that expose your child to language
To build your toddler’s exposure and confidence with language look for toys with letters, text or print. This will serve as a first step in the learning to read process. Avoid electronic books or toys that read to your child, as learning language is an interactive process.
Examples: Magnetic letters, books, take-out menus
Toys that encourage physical activity
Toddlers are constantly growing and becoming more confident with their bodies. Look for toys that encourage the development of new physical skills. Active Healthy Kids Canada recommends that children engage in 90 minutes of physical activity per day. Choosing fun active toys will help your child meet this guideline.
Examples: Balls of different sizes, plastic bowling sets, pull-toys, child-size basketball hoop
Toys that engage all ages
Look for toys the whole family can play together. By choosing early board games that can be used for cross generational play you can encourage matching and memory, listening, self control and relationship building skills.
Examples: Early board games that do not require reading and allow for multiple players.
Keep in Mind…
Its important to stimulate your toddlers five senses during safe and nurturing play. An easy way to evaluate a toy or game is to ask yourself how many of your toddler’s senses are being utilized. Often times the more simple the toy, the better. Avoid over-priced, flashy toys and stick to basic but safe objects you can find around the house such as cardboard boxes or pots and pans. These will encourage imagination and activity while promoting healthy brain development
