Welcome, parents and caregivers! If you’re looking for the perfect toys for your 12-month-old, you’ve come to the right place. At this age, your little one is developing rapidly, and the right toys can help support their growth and development.
But with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to the best toys for 12-month-olds. We’ll cover a range of options that are both fun and educational, helping your child learn and grow through play.
From building blocks to musical instruments, there are so many wonderful toys out there that can help your 12-month-old develop new skills and explore the world around them. And the best part is, they’ll have a blast doing it!
So whether you’re a seasoned parent or a first-time caregiver, we hope you’ll find this guide helpful as you search for the perfect toys for your 12-month-old. Let’s get started!
1. Age-Appropriate Playthings: An Overview of Toys for 12-Month-Olds
When it comes to selecting toys for 12-month-old children, it’s essential to choose ones that are both fun and educational. At this age, children are developing their fine and gross motor skills, problem-solving abilities, and language skills. Therefore, toys that promote these areas of development are ideal. Here are some categories of toys that are perfect for 12-month-olds:
Soft Toys
Soft toys such as plush animals and dolls are great for 12-month-olds. They are safe for babies to play with, and they can help children develop their sensory skills. Soft toys can also be comforting to children and can help them learn about different animals and objects in their environment.
Stacking and Nesting Toys
Stacking and nesting toys are excellent for developing a 12-month-old’s hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. These toys typically involve stacking rings on a post or nesting different shaped blocks inside each other. They can also help children learn about sizes and shapes.
Push and Pull Toys
Push and pull toys are ideal for developing a 12-month-old’s gross motor skills. These toys encourage children to move around and can help them develop their balance and coordination. Push and pull toys can also help children learn about cause and effect, as they can see how their movements affect the toy’s movement.
Musical Toys
Musical toys are excellent for developing a 12-month-old’s language and listening skills. These toys can help children learn about different sounds and rhythms, and they can also help children develop their memory skills as they learn to remember and repeat simple tunes.
Bath Toys
Bath toys are a great way to make bath time more fun for 12-month-olds. They can help children develop their sensory skills and can also help children learn about buoyancy and cause and effect. Bath toys can also provide a calming and soothing experience for children.
When selecting toys for 12-month-olds, it’s essential to choose ones that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Parents should also look for toys that promote learning and development and provide opportunities for exploration and discovery. By choosing the right toys, parents can help their children develop essential skills and have fun at the same time.
2. Motor Skill Development: Toys to Enhance Physical Play
At 12 months old, your child is developing their fine and gross motor skills at a rapid pace. Toys that encourage physical play can help support this development and provide hours of entertainment. Here are some toys for 12-month-olds that can help enhance motor skill development:
Crawling Tunnels
Crawling tunnels are a great way to encourage your child to move around and explore their environment. They can help develop your child’s gross motor skills, including crawling, climbing, and balance. Crawling tunnels can also be a fun way for your child to play with others and develop their social skills.
Balls
Balls are a classic toy for a reason – they’re fun and can help develop your child’s motor skills. Soft, lightweight balls are ideal for 12-month-olds. They can help your child develop their hand-eye coordination, throwing, and catching skills. Balls can also be used in games that encourage your child to move around and be active.
Ride-On Toys
Ride-on toys, such as cars or scooters, can help your child develop their gross motor skills, including balance, coordination, and strength. They can also be a lot of fun for your child and provide hours of entertainment. Look for ride-on toys that are stable and safe for your child to use.
Shape Sorters
Shape sorters are a great way to help your child develop their fine motor skills, including hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. They involve placing different shaped blocks or balls into a container, which can help your child learn about shapes and sizes. Shape sorters can also be a fun way for your child to play and learn independently.
Play Kitchens
Play kitchens are a great way to encourage your child to engage in imaginative play and develop their fine motor skills. They can help your child learn about different kitchen tools and appliances and can also help develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Look for play kitchens that are safe and sturdy and include a variety of kitchen tools and accessories.
When selecting toys for 12-month-olds that promote motor skill development, look for ones that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Parents should also look for toys that provide opportunities for exploration and discovery and encourage their child to be active and engaged. By choosing the right toys, parents can help their children develop essential motor skills and have fun at the same time.
3. Cognitive Development: Toys to Boost Learning and Curiosity
At 12 months old, your child’s cognitive skills are beginning to develop rapidly. They are curious about the world around them and are constantly learning and exploring. Toys that promote cognitive development can help support your child’s learning and curiosity and provide hours of entertainment. Here are some toys for 12-month-olds that can help boost cognitive development:
Interactive Books
Interactive books are a great way to help your child develop their language and cognitive skills. They typically include touch-and-feel features, flaps to lift, or sounds to hear. Interactive books can help your child learn about different animals, objects, and concepts in their environment. They can also help develop your child’s memory and problem-solving skills.
Puzzles
Puzzles are an excellent way to help your child develop their problem-solving skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for puzzles with large, easy-to-grip pieces that are safe for your child to handle. Puzzles can also help your child learn about shapes and sizes and can provide a fun way for your child to play and learn independently.
Sorting and Matching Toys
Sorting and matching toys are a great way to help your child develop their cognitive skills, including problem-solving and categorization. These toys typically involve sorting objects by shape, color, or size. Sorting and matching toys can also help your child learn about different concepts, such as same and different.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are a fun way to help your child develop their cognitive skills, including listening and memory. They can also help your child learn about different sounds and rhythms. Look for musical instruments that are safe and easy for your child to use, such as drums, xylophones, or maracas.
Building Blocks
Building blocks are a classic toy for a reason – they’re fun and can help support your child’s cognitive development. Building blocks can help your child develop their problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and spatial awareness. Look for building blocks that are safe and easy for your child to handle, such as large, soft blocks.
When selecting toys for 12-month-olds that promote cognitive development, look for ones that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Parents should also look for toys that provide opportunities for exploration and discovery and encourage their child to be active and engaged. By choosing the right toys, parents can help their children develop essential cognitive skills and have fun at the same time.
4. Social and Emotional Development: Toys for Building Relationships
At 12 months old, your child is beginning to develop their social and emotional skills. They are learning how to interact with others, express their emotions, and form relationships. Toys that promote social and emotional development can help support your child’s growth in these areas and provide opportunities for connection and bonding. Here are some toys for 12-month-olds that can help build relationships:
Dolls and Stuffed Animals
Dolls and stuffed animals are great for encouraging imaginative play and developing your child’s social and emotional skills. They can help your child learn about different emotions and how to express them. Dolls and stuffed animals can also provide comfort and companionship for your child.
Play Kitchens and Food
Play kitchens and food can help your child develop their social and emotional skills by encouraging imaginative play and role-playing. They can help your child learn about different social situations, such as cooking for family members or sharing food with friends. Play kitchens and food can also help your child learn about different foods and develop their language skills.
Puppets
Puppets are a fun way to encourage your child to engage in imaginative play and develop their social and emotional skills. They can help your child learn about different emotions and how to express them. Puppets can also provide a safe and comfortable way for your child to explore different social situations and express their feelings.
Building and Construction Toys
Building and construction toys, such as blocks or magnetic tiles, can help your child develop their social and emotional skills by encouraging cooperation and collaboration. They can provide opportunities for your child to work together with others to build and create, promoting teamwork and communication.
Art Supplies
Art supplies, such as crayons, markers, or paint, can help your child develop their social and emotional skills by encouraging self-expression and creativity. They can provide opportunities for your child to express their feelings and emotions through art, promoting self-awareness and emotional regulation.
When selecting toys for 12-month-olds that promote social and emotional development, look for ones that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Parents should also look for toys that provide opportunities for connection and bonding and encourage their child to express their emotions and form relationships. By choosing the right toys, parents can help their children develop essential social and emotional skills and have fun at the same time.
5. Creative Play and Expression: Toys for Artistic and Musical Exploration
At 12 months old, your child is beginning to explore the world of creative play and expression. They are developing their fine motor skills and are eager to experiment with different materials and sounds. Toys that encourage artistic and musical exploration can help support your child’s creativity and provide opportunities for self-expression. Here are some toys for 12-month-olds that can help foster creative play and expression:
Crayons and Paper
Crayons and paper are a great way to encourage your child’s artistic expression. They can help your child develop their fine motor skills and learn about colors. Look for crayons that are washable and safe for your child to use.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments, such as drums, xylophones, or maracas, are a fun way to encourage your child’s musical exploration. They can help your child learn about different sounds and rhythms and develop their listening skills. Look for musical instruments that are safe and easy for your child to use.
Playdough
Playdough is a great way to encourage your child’s artistic expression and fine motor skills. It can be molded and shaped into different forms, providing endless possibilities for creativity. Look for playdough that is non-toxic and safe for your child to use.
Easels and Paint
Easels and paint are a fun way to encourage your child’s artistic expression and creativity. They can help your child learn about colors and textures and develop their fine motor skills. Look for easels and paint that are safe and easy for your child to use.
Stickers
Stickers are a great way to encourage your child’s creativity and fine motor skills. They can be used to create designs and patterns on paper or other surfaces. Look for stickers that are safe and easy for your child to use.
When selecting toys for 12-month-olds that encourage creative play and expression, look for ones that are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Parents should also look for toys that provide opportunities for self-expression and creativity and encourage their child to experiment with different materials and sounds. By choosing the right toys, parents can help their children develop essential creative skills and have fun at the same time.
6. Safety Considerations and Top Picks: Choosing the Best and Safest Toys
When it comes to toys for 12-month-old children, safety should always be a top priority. Here are some safety considerations to keep in mind when selecting toys for your child:
- Choking Hazards: Avoid toys with small parts that can be easily detached or broken off, as they can pose a choking hazard. Look for toys that are labeled as appropriate for children under three years old, as these toys have been designed with safety in mind.
- Sharp Edges: Avoid toys with sharp edges or points that can cause injury. Look for toys that are made of soft, flexible materials that are gentle on your child’s skin.
- Toxic Materials: Avoid toys that are made of toxic materials, such as lead or phthalates. Look for toys that are labeled as BPA-free and phthalate-free.
- Electrical Safety: If you’re considering an electronic toy, make sure it is UL-certified and has been tested for electrical safety.
- Supervision: Always supervise your child while they are playing with toys, especially if they are new or unfamiliar with them.
Now that you know what to look for in safe toys for your 12-month-old, here are some top picks:
- Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Book: This soft, plush book is perfect for little hands and features different textures, sounds, and flaps to explore. It’s machine washable and free from BPA, lead, and phthalates.
- Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Learning Kitchen: This interactive kitchen set features lights, sounds, and songs that can help your child learn about different foods, colors, and shapes. It’s made of durable plastic and has been designed with safety in mind.
- Green Toys Shape Sorter: This shape sorter is made of 100% recycled plastic and features eight brightly colored shapes that can be sorted into the corresponding holes. It’s free from BPA, phthalates, and PVC.
- LeapFrog Learn & Groove Musical Table: This musical table features a variety of instruments, songs, and sounds that can help your child develop their musical skills. It’s made of durable plastic and has been designed with safety in mind.
- Hape Pound & Tap Bench with Xylophone: This wooden bench features a xylophone, drum, and mallet that can help your child develop their musical skills. It’s made of sustainable wood and has been designed with safety in mind.
By keeping safety in mind and selecting toys that are appropriate for your child’s age and developmental stage, you can help ensure that your 12-month-old has a fun and safe playtime experience.
In conclusion, choosing the right toys for your 12-month-old can be both exciting and overwhelming. However, by keeping in mind your child’s age, developmental stage, and safety, you can make informed decisions and provide your child with toys that will support their growth and development. From soft toys and stacking toys to musical instruments and bath toys, there are plenty of options available that can help your child develop their fine and gross motor skills, cognitive abilities, social and emotional skills, and creativity. By providing your child with a variety of toys that promote different areas of development, you can help them learn and grow through play. So, go ahead and explore the world of toys for 12-month-olds, and remember to have fun!
