Choosing developmentally appropriate toys for your baby is important to inspire their learning. If things are too hard, they will grow frustrated. If things are too easy, they will grow bored. Here are three quick tips to help you determine which toys are suitable.
Check age-grading:Toy manufacturers will have a recommended age provided on toy packaging. These provide general guidelines, but remember that every child ultimately develops at their own pace. Use manufacturer guidelines as a baseline.
Let your baby show you:Carefully taking time to watch your own baby’s movements and interests. This can give you meaningful input to what skills they’re working on, helping you filter general recommendations further.
Go for simple + hands-on:Toys that invite hands-on engagement are ideal. Babies are little scientists, eager to move, manipulate things, and engage their senses. Avoid toys that do a lot of “performing” for the child, inviting them to merely watch and follow along. The latter may be entertaining but not necessarily engaging to their natural mode of learning.
Over time, it’ll get easier to choose toys that align with your child’s stage of play, but at first, it’s normal if it feels like a bit of a learning curve. Some child development and toy companies, such as Lovevery, Tiny Earth Toys, and KiwiCo, offer stage-based subscription toys to eliminate the guesswork. Alternatively, Curious Baby is a toy-free route that provides information on developmentally appropriate activities.
Above all, ensure the toy is safe for your baby to interact with. Check for small parts that could be a choking hazard, sharp edges, or any materials that could be harmful if ingested.