Welcome, parents and caregivers! If you’re looking for the best toys for your 12-18 month old, you’ve come to the right place. This age range is a fascinating time of rapid growth and development, and the right toys can help support and enhance your little one’s learning and exploration.
Choosing the best toys for this age group can be a bit tricky, as children at this stage are developing new skills and interests at a rapid pace. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the world of toys for 12-18 month olds and find the ones that will be the most engaging, educational, and fun for your child.
At this age, children are becoming more mobile and curious about the world around them. They’re also starting to develop their fine motor skills and cognitive abilities, so toys that promote physical activity, sensory exploration, and problem-solving are ideal.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the best toys for 12-18 month olds, including push and pull toys, stacking and nesting toys, musical instruments, and more. We’ll also provide some tips for choosing toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for your child’s individual needs and interests. So let’s get started!
1. Understanding the Developmental Needs of 12-1
18 Month Olds
At 12-18 months old, children are rapidly developing new skills and exploring the world around them. They are becoming more mobile, with many starting to walk or run independently. They are also developing their fine motor skills, which allow them to grasp and manipulate small objects. Cognitively, they are starting to understand cause and effect, and are becoming more curious about the world around them.
When choosing the best toys for 12-18 month olds, it is important to consider these developmental needs. Toys that promote physical activity, such as push and pull toys, can help support gross motor development. Stacking and nesting toys, on the other hand, can help develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Musical instruments and sensory toys can also be great choices, as they encourage exploration and discovery, and can help develop cognitive abilities.
2. Types of Toys to Encourage Learning and Growth
Push and Pull Toys: These toys are great for encouraging gross motor development and promoting physical activity. Look for toys that are sturdy and easy for your child to push or pull, such as a toy shopping cart or a pull-along dog.
Stacking and Nesting Toys: These toys are ideal for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Look for toys that are colorful and engaging, with different shapes and sizes that can be stacked or nested in various ways.
Musical Instruments: Musical toys can help develop cognitive abilities and encourage creativity. Look for toys that are easy for your child to use, such as a xylophone or a set of drums.
Sensory Toys: Sensory toys can help your child explore and discover the world around them. Look for toys that are colorful, textured, and make different sounds, such as a sensory ball or a shape sorter.
When choosing toys for your 12-18 month old, it is important to consider their individual needs and interests. Look for toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for their age and stage of development. With the right toys, you can help support your child’s learning and growth, and provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment.
3. Top Recommended Toys for Physical Play and Gross Motor Skills
At 12-18 months old, children are becoming more mobile and are starting to explore their surroundings. Toys that promote physical activity and gross motor skills are ideal for this age group. Here are some top recommended toys for physical play:
Push and Pull Toys: Push and pull toys are great for encouraging gross motor development and promoting physical activity. These toys help toddlers build strength and coordination in their legs, arms, and upper body. Look for toys that are sturdy and easy for your child to push or pull, such as a toy shopping cart or a pull-along dog.
Balls: Balls are a classic toy that never goes out of style. They are perfect for promoting physical activity and gross motor skills. Look for balls that are soft and lightweight, making them easy for your child to handle and throw. Balls with different textures and sounds can also help stimulate your child’s senses.
Ride-On Toys: Ride-on toys are a fun way to promote physical activity and gross motor skills. These toys help toddlers build strength and coordination in their legs, arms, and upper body. Look for toys that are sturdy and safe for your child to use, such as a ride-on car or a tricycle.
Climbing Structures: Climbing structures, such as a playhouse or a climbing frame, are great for promoting physical activity and gross motor skills. These toys help toddlers build strength and coordination in their legs, arms, and upper body. Look for structures that are safe and stable, with plenty of handles and footholds for your child to use.
When choosing toys for physical play, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and interests. Look for toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for their age and stage of development. With the right toys, you can help support your child’s physical development and provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment.
4. Best Toys for Language Development and Cognitive Skills
At 12-18 months old, children are starting to develop their language skills and cognitive abilities. Toys that promote language development and cognitive skills are ideal for this age group. Here are some top recommended toys for language development and cognitive skills:
Shape Sorters: Shape sorters are great for developing cognitive skills and hand-eye coordination. These toys help toddlers learn about shapes, colors, and sizes. Look for toys that are colorful and engaging, with different shapes and sizes that can be sorted into various openings.
Stacking and Nesting Toys: Stacking and nesting toys are ideal for developing fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. These toys help toddlers learn about spatial relationships and problem-solving. Look for toys that are colorful and engaging, with different shapes and sizes that can be stacked or nested in various ways.
Musical Instruments: Musical toys can help develop cognitive abilities and encourage creativity. These toys help toddlers learn about cause and effect and can also help develop language skills. Look for toys that are easy for your child to use, such as a xylophone or a set of drums.
Books: Books are a great way to promote language development and cognitive skills. These toys help toddlers learn about language, storytelling, and the world around them. Look for books that are colorful and engaging, with simple words and pictures that your child can understand.
Puzzles: Puzzles are great for developing cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. These toys help toddlers learn about shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. Look for puzzles that are colorful and engaging, with large pieces that are easy for your child to handle.
When choosing toys for language development and cognitive skills, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and interests. Look for toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for their age and stage of development. With the right toys, you can help support your child’s cognitive development and provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment.
5. Social and Emotional Development: Choosing Toys that Promote Connection
At 12-18 months old, children are starting to develop their social and emotional skills. They are becoming more aware of themselves and their surroundings, and are starting to form attachments to their caregivers and peers. Toys that promote social and emotional development are ideal for this age group. Here are some top recommended toys for social and emotional development:
Dolls and Stuffed Animals: Dolls and stuffed animals are great for promoting social and emotional development. These toys allow children to practice nurturing and caring behaviors, and can help them develop empathy and emotional understanding. Look for toys that are soft and cuddly, with features that are easy for your child to manipulate.
Pretend Play Toys: Pretend play toys, such as play kitchens or tool sets, are ideal for promoting social and emotional development. These toys allow children to engage in imaginative play, which can help them develop social skills and emotional understanding. Look for toys that are safe and durable, with features that are easy for your child to use.
Interactive Toys: Interactive toys, such as talking books or musical toys, are great for promoting social and emotional development. These toys allow children to engage in interactive play, which can help them develop communication skills and emotional understanding. Look for toys that are safe and durable, with features that are easy for your child to use.
When choosing toys for social and emotional development, it is important to consider your child’s individual needs and interests. Look for toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for their age and stage of development. With the right toys, you can help support your child’s social and emotional development and provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment.
Remember, the best toys for 12-18 month olds are those that promote physical, cognitive, language, and social and emotional development. By choosing toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for your child’s individual needs and interests, you can help support their growth and development and provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment.
6. Safety Considerations and Durability: Finding the Right Toys for Your Family
When it comes to choosing the best toys for your 12-18 month old, safety and durability are just as important as educational value and fun. Here are some tips for finding toys that are safe, durable, and appropriate for your family:
Check the Age Recommendations: Always check the age recommendations on toys before purchasing. Toys that are not appropriate for your child’s age and stage of development can pose a safety hazard.
Look for Durable Toys: Choose toys that are made from durable materials that can withstand rough play. Toys that are made from flimsy materials can break easily, posing a choking hazard.
Check for Small Parts: Toys with small parts can pose a choking hazard for young children. Make sure to check the packaging for any small parts warnings before purchasing.
Avoid Sharp Edges and Points: Toys with sharp edges or points can cause injuries. Make sure to choose toys that are smooth and rounded.
Check for Recalls: Before purchasing a toy, check to make sure it has not been recalled. You can do this by visiting the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website.
Choose Non-Toxic Toys: Choose toys that are made from non-toxic materials. Toys that are made from toxic materials can be harmful if ingested.
Check for Loose or Broken Parts: Regularly check toys for loose or broken parts. Toys with loose or broken parts can pose a choking hazard.
Supervise Play: Always supervise your child while they are playing with toys. This will help ensure that they are using the toys safely and appropriately.
By following these safety considerations and choosing durable toys, you can help ensure that your child’s toys will provide them with hours of fun and enjoyment, while also keeping them safe.
In conclusion, choosing the best toys for your 12-18 month old can be a fun and rewarding experience, as it provides an opportunity to support their growth and development in various areas. When selecting toys for this age group, it is essential to consider their developmental needs, such as promoting physical activity, sensory exploration, and problem-solving.
Some of the best toys for 12-18 month olds include push and pull toys, stacking and nesting toys, musical instruments, and sensory toys. These toys can help support gross motor development, fine motor skills, cognitive abilities, and sensory exploration.
When choosing toys, it is crucial to consider safety, durability, and appropriateness for your child’s individual needs and interests. Always check the age recommendations, look for durable toys, check for small parts, avoid sharp edges and points, check for recalls, choose non-toxic toys, check for loose or broken parts, and supervise play.
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your child’s toys are safe, durable, and provide them with hours of fun and learning. With the right toys, you can support your child’s growth and development and create lasting memories that will be cherished for years to come.
