What’s New and Most Popular
Enter your email address to receive updates
and freebies from NicheTopics
© Copyright 2004-
Niche Topics (Pregnancy and Kids) is all about practical parenting advice and parenting
skills to help you deal with common parenting challenges from toddlerhood to teen
years. You’ll find tons of healthy food ideas and easy-
Categories
Resources
Age Appropriate Toys for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers
By Paul Coles
Toys play an important role in your child's growing years. They are great learning
tools to encourage imagination, stimulate creativity, develop social-
With a myriad of toys available in toy stores today, choosing the right toy can be challenging, if not daunting for most parents and educators.
Basically any kind of toy is good for young children as long as it is safe, well-
Age-
If you buy toys too complicated to understand or too advanced for your child’s age, chances are your child will quickly become frustrated and overwhelmed. If the toys are too simple and below your child's level of development, they will become bored and lose interest. Always pick toys that can hold your child's interest and attention.
Toys should also invite repeated use, it should challenge and intrigue your child, not frustrate or anger. As a good rule of thumb, you can check manufacturers' age labeling on toy packages but use your own judgment to gauge your child's ability to manipulate, maneuver and solve problems.
You can get an idea of the toys your child might like by noticing what toys he gravitates to on play dates and by asking other parents who have children of similar ages.
Baby Toys
In the first few months of life, each day is bursting with new discoveries for your baby. Babies reach, crawl and explore their surroundings with their eyes, hands and mouth. Toys that are chewable, visually appealing with bright, contrasting colors or have interesting sound and textures are designed to stimulate your baby's sensory development. Toys should be captivating, easy to play and encourage participation.
Babies are eager to touch and hold moving objects. Activity quilts and musical crib mobiles fascinate them at this age. Most mobiles come with an adjustable height option that you can adjust so that it is in your baby's visual range. Mobiles are excellent for developing your baby's attention to specific objects and ability to track objects visually.
Old favorites like stuffed animals and soft dolls should be without button noses or eyes, brightly colored, lightweight and small enough so he can hold and cuddle. Other suitable toys for babies include rattles, teething rings, squeaky toys, colorful pictures, soft blocks and baby swings.
Toddler Toys
Toddlers in 3 to 5 years old age group are naturally curious and have little sense
of danger. They climb, jump, throw, tumble and play rough. Toddlers can handle more
complex toys because their ability to grasp and manipulate objects is more advanced.
Fit-
This age is a creative stage when imagination develops, so toys that encourage make-
Preschooler Toys
Educational toys really take off at preschool age. It is important to note that your
preschooler learn best through play and games, so keep the learning process informal
and as hands-
You can start introducing simple board games to your preschooler at this time. A board game with family or peers will help develop their language, emotion, and social capabilities through play. Basic board games teach preschoolers about sharing, taking turns, and expose children to simple concepts like colors and counting.
Art materials help foster a preschooler's creativity and build skills that lead to reading, writing, and appreciating nature's beauty in life. However, make sure you buy only non toxic art supplies.
Preschoolers are physically active, have lots of energy and love to run. They begin to test their physical strength and develop skills such as the ability to ride a tricycle, finger control and the ability to build with large blocks and construction materials. Be prepared to pay a bit more and invest in durable, well constructed outdoor toys that can withstand rough handling.
Children don't usually think about safety when diving into the next new plaything, it is your responsibility as parents and caregivers to read up and be informed of toy safety issues.
Shop around for comparisons and make sure the toy is sturdy and will not come apart easily. Cheap, poorly manufactured toys are no bargain. Flimsy plastic toys that you find in drugstore dollar stores, thrift stores often have dangerous sharp edges and point.
Check every toy carefully to see that no parts could break loose, and contain no lead or potentially harmful pieces such as magnets. Toys should also be of safe size and not present a choking hazard or suffocate. Wash second hands well before giving to your child and discard plastic wrappings on toys at once.
Toys need not be expensive and elaborate to provide hours of fun. In fact, simple toys or even homemade toys can provide children an opportunity to inspire imagination and develop ideas of their own.
4 Easy Homemade Musical Instruments for Kids
Watch your children wiggle and giggle with homemade toy musical instruments! Simple yet super fun!
3 Homemade Toys that Will Wow Your Kids
These exciting toys are sure to make your children squeal with delight! Big fun for a small cost!!
Teach kids to be safe while swimming or around pools and what you can do to make your home water safe.
Learn to pick safe kids toys so that your kids stay safe and avoid injuries while playing with their favorite toy.
Find great gift ideas for kids birthday or Christmas that can help they learn and grow.
8 Things to Consider When Buying Kids Swing Sets
Make an informed decision so that your kids can enjoy countless hours of fun safely on their swing set.
Learn how to choose your child's car seat, and know whether you need an infant carrier, convertible car seat or booster seat.
7 Easy Steps to Plan a Great Kids Party
Fun and creative ideas to help you plan the best kid's party (any occasion) ever! Your little guests are sure to remember it forever!
8 Fun Rainy Day Activities for Kids
Rainy day ideas, easy indoor games, and activities that kids and the whole family will love!
5 Fun and Easy Summer Crafts for Kids
Keep kids busy this summer with easy-
