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When we think about getting gifts for our children or our friend’s children, toys instantly come to mind. It is a simple solution to our gift-giving woes. However, with so many types of toys available on the market, how do we decide what toy to choose? Besides, there are many different options for children from different age groups.
Today, we help you in your decision-making process.
This is a guide for you to choose the best toys for infants, toddlers and pre-school children to help them learn as they play!
We will be recommending the toys to you based on the various age groups.
Read on to learn more!
Best toys for infants, toddlers and pre-school children
Infants: 0 to 6 months old
When your little ones are 0 to 6 months old, they will not be able to speak yet. At this stage, teething toys are extremely useful as they can help to sooth painful gums as your infant’s new teeth set in. It can also prevent them from biting onto other harmful or potentially dangerous objects.
Another great toy that would be suitable for infants aged 0 to 6 months old is a sensory ball. These balls have unique textures and come in different colours. This means that when playing with these balls, your infant will be utilizing all 5 senses. It would also be helpful for them to develop their gross motor skills as they kick, throw, squeeze and push the ball while playing.
Infants: 7 to 12 months old
As your child grows older, he or she will be able to play with more interactive toys. Push-along dolls, soft balls, cuddly teddies, board or fabric books that can't be ripped, toy cars, basic puzzles and ride-on toys will be great for your infant or toddler. Blocks are also likely to be a favourite. Your infant can try building them up and knocking them down again.
Push or pull toys and other cause-and-effect toys are great from around 10 months on.
Do note, however, that the initial surprise might upset some children, so, be sure introduce these toys gently.
Generally, at this stage, you want to find toys that are great for:
- Sharpening motor skills and hand-eye coordination
- Refining hand and finger movements
- Improving their large motor skills
- Hone key perceptual skills – like identifying colours, shapes, sizes, relative positions, and more
Toddlers
At this stage, your child’s developing cognitive abilities mean that you could encourage his or her creativity and imagination. Games like puzzles, clay, paint, crayon drawing, and toy blocks will be great.
Creative toys and play activities that require some sort of art and craft are good too. You might offer your toddler some pencils, finger paint, and paper butchers. Make-believe games would also be popular with the use of hand puppets or dress-ups.
Essentially, for toddlers, you want to find toys and games that:
- Develop perseverance, problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination and finger strength
- Encourage freethinking, experimentation and analysis
- Offer children open-ended, creative play experiences
Taking Play Seriously at Nurture Infant House
Here at Nurture Infant House, we take play rather seriously! Through a wide range of interesting activities held in a safe and stimulating environment, your child will develop his or her gross and fine motor skills.
In addition, your child’s five senses will be engaged in a specially designed environment that utilizes colours, play tools, textures and sounds. As your child discover cause and effect through play, he or she will also build up a sense of creativity, inquisitiveness and exploration.
So, look no further, for the best infant care in Tampines is right here at Nurture Infant House. If you don’t believe us, hear from the numerous testimonials from satisfied parents here!
The Bottom-line
Looking for toys that are best for your infants, toddlers, and pre-school children is not about whether or not the toys are new, pre-loved, hand-made, “educational” or expensive. Instead, it is about understanding which play ideas and types are suitable for which age group.
With this guide to the best toys for infants, toddlers and pre-school children to help them learn as they play, you will be able to choose the best toys that will benefit them the most!
For parents living in the east of Singapore and are looking for a childcare in Tampines, Genesis Childcare Tampines has had 31 years of experience in caring for your little ones. It is definitely one of the leading Tampines childcare centres!
Similarly, for parents living in the east of Singapore and are looking for an infant care centre in Tampines or a Tampines preschool, Nurture Infant House is one of the leading Tampines infant care centre with more than a decade of experience in caring for your beloved children.
Keen to learn more about our infant care centre?
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