Kids learn a lot about their world through babies' activities and toddlers' games. Parents and caregivers can help by providing age-appropriate toys that encourage imagination and creativity through fun family activities. Here are some family ideas.
0-6 months
Active play: squeeze toys, textured rattles, tummy-time activity mats
Cognitive play: soft blocks, books with colorful pictures, mobiles
Creative play: unbreakable mirrors, hand puppets animated by a caregiver
6-12 months
Active play: stationary exersaucer, throw pillows for climbing, tunnels to crawl through, push toys to aid walking
Cognitive play: stackable cups, easy shape sorters, simple knob puzzles
Creative play: stuffed animals, shakers, lullaby CDs
1 year
Active play: rocking horses, balls, pillows or other climbing obstacles
Cognitive play: stacking toys, containers for filling and dumping, activity boxes, texture books like Pat the Bunny
Creative play: simple dolls, play dishes, musical toys
2 years
Active play: push toys such as vacuums or grocery carts, ride-on toys, wheelbarrows
Cognitive play: shape sorters, interlocking rings, nesting toys, knob puzzles, simple board games such as Candyland, picture books
Creative play: stuffed animals, dress-up materials, blunt scissors and paper, music CDs
Preschoolers
Active play: wagons to pull and fill with objects, tricycles, outdoor climbing equipment, bat and hoop for ball play
Cognitive play: magnetic boards with letters and numbers, lacing cards, sorting games, building blocks
Creative play: realistic dolls, kitchen utensils, hand puppets, craft materials, plastic animals, dollhouse sets, musical instruments
Source: West Bloomfield Township (Mich.) Public Library