How Do I Choose a Developmentally Appropriate Toy for My Child?

Most parents are worried about keeping their toddler or preschooler occupied in a way that will have a positive effect on their development. To choose a developmentally appropriate toy for your child choose open-ended toys, steer clear of electronics, stay away from educational toys and pick toys that will grow with your child and encourage them to be active.

Most parents are worried about keeping their toddler or preschooler occupied in a way that will have a positive effect on their development. Thousands of parents go through the same anxiety about engaging their child in a healthy manner. Toys are one of the first options that parents seek for their children. Choosing the correct toy can boost independence, creativity and curiosity in children. While selecting a toy or game, parents should consider the effect it will have on their child’s development. Moreover, these toys should encourage exploration, experimentation and creativity. Make sure the colors or crayons you give your child are lead-free and nontoxic. A few toy pieces may present a choking hazard to young kids, so always be mindful of what your child is playing with. Parents can follow these guidelines while selecting toys for their kids.

Choose open-ended toys: Open-ended toys refer to toys that can be used in multiple ways without restraining a child’s imagination. For example, children can use blocks in different ways to

• Build a house
• Make a freeway
• Create a robot

However, close-ended toys refer to toys that can be used in a limited number of ways. For example, board games are closed-ended toys because they have a specific set of rules for playing the game. Therefore, always choose toys such as blocks for your child because they have the following benefits.

• Improve imagination
• Develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills

Do not buy electronic toys and video games: A child may not have a role in operating electronic toys and video games. Such toys don’t allow them to use their imagination. Hence, buy simple toys that permit your child to be creative and spontaneous.

Don’t buy toys that claim to be educational: Many educational toys claim to enhance brain development in children. However, a study has reported that these claims are unsupported.

Find toys that will grow with your child: Always select toys that would be beneficial in various developmental stages. Some examples include

• Plastic animals
• Action figures
• Stuffed animals and dolls
• Blocks
• Toddler-friendly dollhouse
• Trains and dump trucks

Select toys that encourage your child to be active: Look out for toys that don’t keep your children idle. Some examples include

• Balls of different shapes and sizes
• Tricycles
• Pull-toys
• Wagon
• Gardening tools to dig