Welcome, parents and caregivers! If you’re looking for the best toys for 12 month old babies, you’ve come to the right place. At this age, your little one is developing rapidly, and the right toys can help nurture their growth in incredible ways.
Choosing the best toys for your 12 month old can be a daunting task, given the countless options available in the market. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the various types of toys that are perfect for this age group and why they’re so beneficial.
From soft blocks to musical instruments, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make these toys the best for your baby’s development. We’ll also provide some tips on how to choose age-appropriate toys and what to avoid. By the end of this article, you’ll have a better understanding of how to select the best toys for your 12 month old and how to use them to support your baby’s learning and growth. So, let’s get started!
1. Understanding the Developmental Milestones of a 12-Month-Old
At 12 months old, your child is rapidly developing and learning new skills every day. Here are some of the key developmental milestones that a 12-month-old may reach:
- Gross Motor Skills: At this age, your child may be able to stand up with support, take a few steps while holding onto furniture (also known as “cruising”), and sit down from a standing position.
- Fine Motor Skills: Your child may be able to pick up small objects with their thumb and forefinger (also known as a “pincer grasp”), bang two objects together, and put objects into and take them out of containers.
- Language Development: At 12 months old, your child may be able to say a few simple words, such as “mama” or “dada,” and may respond to their own name and simple commands.
- Cognitive Development: Your child may be able to explore objects in new ways, such as shaking, banging, or throwing them, and may show an interest in simple cause-and-effect toys.
When it comes to choosing the best toys for 12 month old, it’s important to consider these developmental milestones. Toys that promote gross motor skills, such as push and pull toys, can help your child build strength and coordination. Toys that promote fine motor skills, such as stacking blocks or shape sorters, can help your child develop their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Toys that encourage language development, such as books or toys that name body parts, can help your child build their vocabulary and communication skills. And toys that promote cognitive development, such as cause-and-effect toys or toys that can be taken apart and put back together, can help your child learn about the world around them and develop their problem-solving skills.
It’s also important to remember that every child is different and may reach these milestones at their own pace. Be sure to consult with your child’s pediatrician if you have any concerns about your child’s development.
2. The Role of Toys in Promoting Physical and Cognitive Development
When it comes to the best toys for 12 month old, it’s not just about keeping them entertained. The right toys can play a crucial role in promoting your child’s physical and cognitive development.
Promoting Physical Development
At 12 months old, your child is developing their gross and fine motor skills. Toys that encourage physical activity can help your child build strength, coordination, and confidence. Here are some examples of toys that promote physical development:
- Push and Pull Toys: These toys help your child build their gross motor skills by encouraging them to stand and move around. Look for toys that are sturdy and easy for your child to grip.
- Balls: Balls are great for promoting hand-eye coordination and encouraging your child to crawl, walk, or run. Choose balls that are lightweight and easy for your child to hold.
- Ride-On Toys: Ride-on toys, such as cars or scooters, can help your child build their leg muscles and coordination. Make sure the toy is the right size for your child and has a sturdy base.
Promoting Cognitive Development
Toys that promote cognitive development can help your child build their problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity. Here are some examples of toys that promote cognitive development:
- Shape Sorters: Shape sorters help your child develop their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to match shapes with the correct holes. Look for sorters with a variety of shapes and colors.
- Stacking Blocks: Stacking blocks help your child build their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Choose blocks that are lightweight and easy for your child to stack.
- Musical Instruments: Musical instruments, such as drums or xylophones, can help your child develop their creativity and fine motor skills. Look for instruments that are easy for your child to hold and play.
When choosing toys for your 12 month old, look for toys that are durable, safe, and age-appropriate. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard, and make sure the toy is not too complicated for your child to use. By choosing toys that promote physical and cognitive development, you can help your child learn and grow in incredible ways.
3. Types of Toys to Consider: Sensory, Motor, and Educational
At 12 months old, your baby is developing rapidly, and the right toys can help nurture their growth in incredible ways. Here are some types of toys to consider when shopping for the best toys for 12 month old:
Sensory Toys
Sensory toys are designed to stimulate your baby’s senses, including touch, sight, and sound. These toys can help your baby develop their sensory processing skills, which are essential for learning and development. Here are some examples of sensory toys:
- Soft Blocks: Soft blocks are a great sensory toy for 12 month olds. They are soft and safe for your baby to chew on, and they can help your baby develop their fine motor skills.
- Musical Instruments: Musical instruments, such as drums or xylophones, can help your baby develop their auditory processing skills. They can also help your baby develop their hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- Sensory Balls: Sensory balls are designed to stimulate your baby’s sense of touch. They come in a variety of textures, such as soft, bumpy, or squishy, and can help your baby develop their sensory processing skills.
Motor Toys
Motor toys are designed to help your baby develop their gross and fine motor skills. These toys can help your baby build strength, coordination, and confidence. Here are some examples of motor toys:
- Push and Pull Toys: Push and pull toys help your baby build their gross motor skills by encouraging them to stand and move around. Look for toys that are sturdy and easy for your baby to grip.
- Balls: Balls are great for promoting hand-eye coordination and encouraging your baby to crawl, walk, or run. Choose balls that are lightweight and easy for your baby to hold.
- Ride-On Toys: Ride-on toys, such as cars or scooters, can help your baby build their leg muscles and coordination. Make sure the toy is the right size for your baby and has a sturdy base.
Educational Toys
Educational toys are designed to help your baby learn and grow. These toys can help your baby develop their language, cognitive, and problem-solving skills. Here are some examples of educational toys:
- Shape Sorters: Shape sorters help your baby develop their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to match shapes with the correct holes. Look for sorters with a variety of shapes and colors.
- Stacking Blocks: Stacking blocks help your baby build their hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Choose blocks that are lightweight and easy for your baby to stack.
- Books: Books are a great way to help your baby develop their language skills. Look for books with simple words and bright, colorful illustrations.
When choosing toys for your 12 month old, look for toys that are durable, safe, and age-appropriate. Avoid toys with small parts that can be a choking hazard, and make sure the toy is not too complicated for your baby to use. By choosing toys that promote physical, sensory, and cognitive development, you can help your baby learn and grow in incredible ways.
4. Top Recommended Toys for 12-Month-Olds: A Curated List
Now that you have a better understanding of the types of toys that are best for 12-month-olds, here are some specific toys that we highly recommend:
1. **Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy
This adorable puppy is more than just a cuddly friend. It’s also an interactive learning toy that can help your child develop their language and cognitive skills. The puppy has three levels of play, with more than 100 songs, phrases, and sounds to keep your child engaged. It also introduces numbers, shapes, colors, and opposites.
2. **Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Book
This soft activity book is perfect for little hands. It features five pages of fun activities, including a baby-safe mirror, squeaker, and crinkly pages. The book is made of soft, durable fabric and is machine washable, making it a great toy for on-the-go.
3. **LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table
This musical table is a great way to introduce your child to music and rhythm. It features 70 songs, tunes, and phrases, as well as a variety of instruments, such as a piano, drum, and guitar. The table also has a flip page that introduces numbers, letters, and shapes.
4. **Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy
This rattle and teether toy is a classic for a reason. It’s made of soft, flexible tubes that are perfect for little hands to grip and explore. The bright colors and unique shape make it a visually stimulating toy, while the rattle and teether provide sensory stimulation.
5. **Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks
These stacking blocks are a great way to help your child develop their fine motor skills. They are brightly colored and feature different textures, making them visually and tactilely stimulating. The blocks are also lightweight and easy for your child to stack and knock down.
When choosing toys for your 12-month-old, remember to consider their developmental milestones and the types of toys that promote physical, sensory, and cognitive development. These five toys are a great place to start, but there are many other options available. Be sure to choose toys that are durable, safe, and age-appropriate, and have fun watching your child learn and grow!
5. Safety Considerations and Guidelines for Choosing Toys
When it comes to choosing the best toys for 12 month old, safety should always be your top priority. Here are some safety considerations and guidelines to keep in mind:
Choking Hazards
At 12 months old, your child is still learning how to chew and swallow food, so it’s important to choose toys that are free from small parts that can be a choking hazard. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, any toy that can fit inside a toilet paper roll is too small for a child under three years old.
Sharp Edges and Points
Avoid toys with sharp edges or points that can cut or puncture your child’s skin. Look for toys that are made of soft, rounded materials that are safe for your child to play with.
Toxic Materials
Choose toys that are made of non-toxic materials that are safe for your child to put in their mouth. Look for toys that are labeled “phthalate-free” and “BPA-free.”
Sturdiness
Choose toys that are sturdy and well-made, with no loose parts that can come off and become a choking hazard. Make sure the toy is durable enough to withstand your child’s rough play.
Supervision
Even the safest toys can pose a risk if they are not used properly. Always supervise your child while they are playing with toys, especially if the toy is new or has small parts.
Recalls
Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website for toy recalls before purchasing any new toys. This will help ensure that the toys you are buying are safe for your child to use.
By following these safety considerations and guidelines, you can help ensure that the toys you choose for your 12 month old are safe, durable, and age-appropriate. Remember, the best toys for 12 month old are those that promote physical, sensory, and cognitive development while also keeping your child safe and engaged.
6. Incorporating Playtime into Your Routine: Ideas and Activities
At 12 months old, your child is constantly learning and growing, and playtime is an essential part of their development. Incorporating playtime into your daily routine can help your child develop their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills while also strengthening your bond with them. Here are some ideas and activities to help you make the most of playtime with your 12-month-old:
Sensory Play
Sensory play is a great way to help your child explore their surroundings and develop their sensory processing skills. Here are some sensory play ideas to try:
- Fill a container with rice or beans and hide toys inside for your child to find.
- Create a sensory bin with different textures, such as sand, water, or playdough.
- Blow bubbles and encourage your child to catch them.
Physical Play
Physical play is important for developing your child’s gross motor skills and building their strength and coordination. Here are some physical play ideas to try:
- Play with push and pull toys to encourage your child to stand and move around.
- Roll a ball back and forth to help your child develop their hand-eye coordination.
- Dance and sing with your child to encourage them to move their body.
Cognitive Play
Cognitive play is important for developing your child’s problem-solving skills, memory, and creativity. Here are some cognitive play ideas to try:
- Play with shape sorters to help your child develop their problem-solving skills.
- Read books with simple words and bright, colorful illustrations.
- Encourage your child to stack blocks and knock them down.
Social Play
Social play is important for developing your child’s social skills and helping them learn to interact with others. Here are some social play ideas to try:
- Play with other children and encourage your child to share and take turns.
- Attend baby classes or playgroups to help your child socialize with other children.
- Play peek-a-boo or hide-and-seek to help your child develop their social and emotional skills.
Remember, the key to successful playtime is to keep it fun and engaging for both you and your child. Try to incorporate a variety of play activities into your daily routine, and be sure to give your child plenty of opportunities to explore and learn on their own. With these ideas and activities, you can help your child develop their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills while also strengthening your bond with them.
In conclusion, choosing the best toys for 12 month old is an essential part of nurturing your child’s development. At this age, your child is developing rapidly, and the right toys can help promote their physical, sensory, and cognitive skills. When choosing toys, consider the developmental milestones of a 12-month-old, the role of toys in promoting development, and the different types of toys available, such as sensory, motor, and educational toys.
Some top recommended toys for 12-month-olds include the Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Smart Stages Puppy, Melissa & Doug Soft Activity Book, LeapFrog Learn and Groove Musical Table, Manhattan Toy Winkel Rattle & Sensory Teether Toy, and Bright Starts Grab and Stack Blocks.
When choosing toys, always prioritize safety by considering choking hazards, sharp edges and points, toxic materials, sturdiness, and supervision. Additionally, incorporating playtime into your daily routine can help your child develop their skills while also strengthening your bond with them.
By following these guidelines and recommendations, you can help ensure that your child is engaged, learning, and having fun with the best toys for 12 month old.
