age appropriate toys
Toys play an exciting role in helping your children to become mature, confident and imaginative adults. Remember, one of the most important things your child can do is play.
Children and toddlers don’t need lots of toys – just a few good toys to help them in their play experiences. And don’t forget you are your child's best playmate. The richest play occurs when you take an active role and play alongside them, rather than simply providing the toy or only supervising the activity.
The following guide is to help you find age appropriate toys for your children. This will help in your selection, although remember every child is different. Some children may like painting and puzzles while others like tearing around on their bikes.
babies 6 months - 1 year
Babies respond to their environment by using all five senses - smell, taste, sound, touch and sight - and properly selected toys provide them with opportunities to learn about size, sound, texture and how things work.
suggested toys for babies 6 months to 1 year
mobiles, rattles, squeaky toys, unbreakable mirrors, gyms, washable soft dolls or stuffed animals (make sure noses and eyes are safe), pop-up toys, blocks, material or hard cardboard books showing familiar pictures and objects, stacking cups, balls, push pull toys and bath toys.
toddlers 1 - 3 years
Little toddlers are active and need toys suitable for physical play – walking, climbing, pushing and riding. They like things to ride on and climb in.
suggested toys for toddlers 1 to 3 years
ride ons, trikes, wagons, large balls, wading pool, a sandpit and toys to use in it, digging tools, child sized furniture, play dough, musical instruments (drums, horns, toy piano, music tapes and CDs), cassette tape player, blocks, simple puzzles and picture books.
children 3 - 5 years
This age group thrives on ‘make-believe’. They enjoy being around other children and participating in imaginative play. Dress-ups and play toys that help them in these imaginary roles are important.
suggested toys for children 3 to 5 years
play food, play money, dress-ups and accessories, cash registers, telephones, medical kits, bead threading, story books, tape recorders, make-believe props, petrol stations, farms, houses, restaurants, shops, puppet shows, dolls, doll strollers and cots. They are also fascinated with cars, trucks, aeroplanes, boats, diggers, tractors. Outdoor play: sandpits, bikes, helmets, balls, bats, chalk, bubble blowers, climbing frames, and slides. Board games, electronic toys and word matching games are great for visualization and memory skills. Arts and Crafts: paint, brushes, play dough, scissors, glue, coloured paper, felt pens. Construction toys with interlocking pieces. Other favourites are books, CDs, tapes, videos, arts and craft activities, stuffed toys and animals.
time playing with your child is the best toy of all
