What Toys Should Infants (0-12 Months) Play With?

23rd Jun 2025

What Toys Should Infants (0-12 Months) Play With?

Toddlers (1-3 years) are at a stage of rapid development, exploring their environment, learning to communicate, and developing motor skills. Toys for this age group should be safe, durable, and engaging. Here's a list of recommended toys for toddlers, considering their developmental needs:

1-Year-Olds

  • Push and Pull Toys:
    Toddlers learning to walk benefit from push toys like walkers, shopping carts, or pull toys like toy animals on wheels.

  • Stacking Toys:
    Stacking rings or cups help develop fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.

  • Shape Sorters:
    These toys promote problem-solving and cognitive development as toddlers learn to match shapes to their corresponding holes.

  • Musical Instruments:
    Simple instruments like tambourines, maracas, or xylophones encourage sensory exploration and rhythm recognition.

  • Board Books:
    Sturdy books with bright pictures and simple text introduce toddlers to reading and language skills.

2-Year-Olds

  • Building Blocks:
    Large-sized blocks like Duplo or Mega Bloks foster creativity and motor skills as toddlers build and stack.

  • Art Supplies:
    Toddler-safe crayons, washable markers, and finger paints offer a creative outlet and enhance fine motor development.

  • Toy Vehicles:
    Cars, trucks, or trains that toddlers can push or pull around encourage imaginative play and coordination.

  • Animal Figures and Farm Sets:
    Small animal toys or farm sets support imaginative play and storytelling.

  • Simple Puzzles:
    Puzzles with large, easy-to-handle pieces help develop problem-solving and fine motor skills.

3-Year-Olds

  • Pretend Play Sets :
    Play kitchens, tool sets, or doctor kits encourage imaginative play and role-playing, which are important for social and emotional development.

  • Dolls and Stuffed Animals:
    Dolls and plush toys can be comforting and promote nurturing behavior.

  • Outdoor Toys:
    Tricycles, balance bikes, or ride-on toys encourage physical activity and gross motor development.

  • Play-Doh or Clay Sets:
    These promote creativity and fine motor skills through sculpting and molding.

  • Board Games for Young Children:
    Simple games like “Candy Land” or “Chutes and Ladders” help develop turn-taking, social skills, and strategic thinking.

Safety Tips

  • Choose toys designed for toddlers, with no small parts or choking hazards.
  • Look for toys made from non-toxic, child-safe materials.
  • Supervise playtime, especially with toys that could pose a risk if misused.
  • Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear, and discard any damaged items.