Everything about children's toys
From the very first few weeks of life, all babies play spontaneously : first their own bodies, then their parents' bodies, and then objects or toys around them (if any). Play is an essential prerequisite for all learning: it helps children explore and learn to interact with the world around them, use new abilities, and develop their intelligence and imagination .
Toys are excellent tools for developing your baby's senses , provided they are appropriate for their current developmental stage. Choose carefully: if chosen well, toys can bring your baby much joy and time for exploration. Generally, choose high-quality, durable products that meet child safety standards. Choose bright colors (young children are more easily attracted to them), and consider the size and weight of the toy: if it's too big or too heavy, your baby's little hands won't be interested. Also, check the minimum age label on the toy, especially for very young children.
There are toys that are almost guaranteed to be popular at every age: Here is our must-have list for your baby's toy box!
0 to 4 months: Exploring a new world
In the first few months of life, babies lie on their backs and cannot yet grasp toys with their hands. They learn gradually through hearing, touch, and observation.
You can provide:
• Musical crib mobile, fixed to the crib railing, with colorful little ornaments rotating to a soft melody.
• Early education play mat with an arch and hanging small toys so that the baby can see them or pat them with their hands and feet.
• Baby activity stand, placed in front of the baby chair or on top when lying down.
4 to 6 months: Bell ringing time
Around 4 months old, the baby can finally grasp objects. Colors, textures, and sounds fascinate him: anything he can see, grasp, and bite is suitable! He will like:
• Rattles and other small, easy-to-grip toys that make a sound when shaken and can be put in the mouth. Choose different colors and materials to enhance the experience and maintain interest: wooden, cloth, plush toys containing small bells or beads, etc.
• A string of small toys that can be attached to a stroller to keep you entertained during walks.
• Teething rings, which babies can chew on when teething starts to bother them.
6 to 12 months: Hands begin to explore
Now that your baby can sit up straight and comfortably sit in a playpen or playmat surrounded by toys, exploring with their hands and mouth: touching, pinching, pulling, pushing, biting, sucking... you can now give them:
• An active board with pull, push, and rotate buttons, mirrors, textures, sounds, and music. This multi-functional toy stimulates sight, hearing, and touch simultaneously, and helps in understanding cause and effect, making it a classic for extended exploration!
• A musical toy that can be triggered automatically.
• Cloth book with different textures for touch.
• Soft plastic animals make bath time more fun.
• Separation anxiety begins around 8 months: If not yet, give him a comfort blanket with your scent; this substitute will become an indispensable companion.
12 to 18 months: Towards Action
As your baby starts learning to walk, they'll love any toys that help them practice new movements. Their fine motor skills also improve: they'll begin building, stacking, assembling... and then knocking it down! You can give them:
• Baby walkers help stabilize the baby and enable the baby to move toys.
• Rideable toys, such as trucks, tractors, or animal shapes, allow him to move around the house, even if he can't walk very well yet. Choose models with multi-directional wheels for easy handling.
• Pull-pull toys will become your baby's walking companions.
• Stacking and shape matching games: colored plastic blocks or cups, boxes with shaped holes, stacked ring pyramids, etc.
• Large building blocks, easy to assemble.
• Picture books: flip through them with your baby and name the items.
18 to 24 months: From infant to toddler
The child is energetic and loves to be active. His manual dexterity is also improving, and his imagination is developing along with his language skills. He's progressing in all aspects! You can meet his needs:
• Rocking horse.
• A puzzle for toddlers with large wooden blocks and grip buttons.
• A large bead stringing game.
• Large crayons or finger paints.
• Small musical instruments: piano, xylophone, jingle, etc.
• Wooden train sets and/or cars.
• Plastic animals.
• Thick cardboard book.
2 to 3 years old: Imagination in full bloom
The child's creativity is bursting forth, and their imagination is running at full speed! Now is the time to create stories for them and help them realize their dreams:
• Washable colored pencils or brushes and paints.
• Clay.
• Simulate adult games: tea sets, shops, mini kitchens, DIY tool sets, etc.
• Miniature scenes allow him to weave countless stories: farms, dollhouses, schools, fire stations, garages, and more.
• Dolls or other toys.
• Cosplay costumes: pirate, princess, superhero, fairy, knight, doctor, etc.
• Storybooks to read together before bedtime.
