Diaper Days Blog: Baby and Toddler Toy Ideas

The Christmas shopping season is here! With prices high and young families strapped for cash, every cent counts when it comes to investing in your youngster’s toys. You're already seeing suggestions from social media influencers and advertisers. So, allow me to suggest my favorite toys that are both fun and ideal in helping your child meet their developmental milestones. For more helpful tips, check out my latest book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year.

3 Best Toys for Babies and Toddlers:

1.     Balls and blocks – Look for balls that are not fuzzy or made from foam. Teething children put everything in their mouths, so you don’t want fuzz or foam to become a choking hazard. Wooden blocks (especially those with imprinted letters, numbers, and animals) will be more versatile in the coming years. Both blocks and balls are open-ended toys, meaning that as your child grows, they can create their own games with them. Open-ended toys foster creativity and improve cognitive and problem-solving abilities.

2.     Climbing and riding toys – As your baby learns to crawl and stand, they may climb a lot. While this is exasperating for parents, your child is gaining the strength and balance they’ll need to navigate the playgrounds, which will be here before you know it. Indoor climbing gyms and riding toys, not ones that are battery-operated, build strength and improve your baby's balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

3.     Puzzles and Chunky Picture Books – Babies need 2-3 piece puzzles with big knobs for handles. The best ones are simple shapes (circles, squares, triangles) or shape sorters. At this age, youngsters are rough when handling books, so thick, cardboard pages last longer. Look for ones with a few pictures per page as your little one is learning to label or name objects, not read stories.

If money is particularly tight this year, look for gently used toys online (in Facebook mom groups or through neighbor exchanges) or at a Goodwill store. The toys I’ve suggested can last for your future children, as well, so they’re a good investment.

Disclaimer: All information provided reflects general guidelines and general recommendations. It is not intended as specific medical advice for your child. If you have concerns about any aspect of your child’s development, talk with their doctor. If your child is receiving therapy, please share this information with the therapist.