What Toys Are Best for Young Children

Here are some lists of toys that are beneficial for infants and toddlers. Remember safety is the number one concern!

Birth to 6 Months

Toys are mostly for looking, listening, sucking, grasping or fingering:

• Unbreakable crib mirror.
• Toys to bat or kick, mouth or manipulate.
• Toys on suction cups attached to high chair tray.
  
  

7 to 12 Months

Toys that can support their interest in exploring, practicing and expanding their skills:

• Soft, lightweight blocks.
• One-piece push toys.
• Grasping toys that require variety of manipulation.
  
  
  

1 Year Old

One year olds are increasingly mobile and want to practice motor skills, such as carrying toys, or moving them from place to place.

• 3-5 piece puzzles with knobs.
• Push and pull toys.
• Sturdy books to "read" together.

2 Years Old

Two year olds love active, physical play. They enjoy manipulating and exploring objects with more deliberate experimentation. They are very interested in interactive dramatic play.

• Crayons, paints, markers, play-dough, sturdy paper beads for stringing.
• Matching/sorting toys.
• Dress up clothes.