Play is an important way for your child to develop and learn. There are certain milestones your kiddo is meeting as she ages and you will want to choose toys that help her grow socially as well as physically.
Birth to 6 months old
In her first months, before she learns to grasp objects or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. She's drawn to the human face, so she will enjoy large pictures of faces. For example, Hand-held toys, music box, mobile, sensory toys, sock and wrist rattles. As she enters 3 to 6 months, she discovers how much fun her own hands can be now that they're no longer clenched in a fist. You can choose some activity toys like: Lightweight rattles, soft stuffed animals, colorful teething rings, and activity playmats. Make sure that all toys are safe for chewing — check labels! And never attach a toy to a crib or playpen with elastic, which could end up strangling or entrapping your baby.
6 months to 1 year old
This is the age when motor skills are exploding! Your child is learning to sit up and manipulate toys (banging, dropping, stacking, opening, shutting). As her physical exploration moves from crawling to cruising (walking while holding onto a walker or furniture) and eventually walking, your child will love things that move, too. These toys will be your good choice. Push-pull toys, balls, simple shape sorters, soft blocks, bath toys, soft dolls, cloth and cardboard picture books.
1 year to 2 years old
The world is opening up for a toddler -- and so comes the floodgate of emotions and behaviors. Your child will begin to express pleasure, protest and is developing his or her own personality. Fueled by curiosity and wonder, toddlers also possess the physical skills that make it easy for them to play and learn. A busy toddler needs toys for physical play — walking, climbing, pushing and riding — and ones that encourage experimentation and manipulation. "Active" is an apt way to describe kids this age, and they like any toy or game that allows them to throw their whole self into it — balls, swings, and tiny climbing sets, to name a few. Here some options: large building bricks, push and pull toys, climbing gym, ride-on vehicles, and picture books.
2 year to 3 years old
By the time your child reaches her third birthday, she'll be ready for more challenging toys. At this age, your child is probably a confident walker, runner, and jumper, so she might enjoy playing with scaled-down sports equipment. She'll also begin to relate to and focus on other kids, making it a great time to try group games. As she gets older, your toddler will become increasingly imaginative. She'll start developing her own story lines, characters, plots, and adventures. Here some challenging toys: puzzle, construction sets, kid-size dishes, table and chairs, outdoor equipment, and storybooks.
3 to 6 years old
After the age of 3, children begin to play actively with each other. Preschoolers and kindergartners are masters of make-believe. They like to act out grown-up roles and enjoy costumes and props to help them bring their imaginations to life. It is quite common for children this age to develop strong attachments to favorite toys, expressing feelings to a special doll or teddy bear. Toy suggestions: Backyard gym equipment, construction toys, dress-up clothes and accessories, play vehicles,
6 to 9 years old
This is the age of cognitive expansion (literally -- their brains are growing). Play helps elementary-aged children engage in goal-oriented activities and problem solving, as well as self-expression and creativity. You may also notice your older elementary-school aged child become engaged in 'collecting' certain prized items. Toys options: Doll clothing and accessories, construction toys, jump ropes, action figures, musical instruments, Balls and sports equipment .
9 to 12 years old
Preteens begin to develop hobbies and life-long interests and enjoy crafts, model kits, magic sets, advanced construction sets, science kits and complex puzzles. Active play finds its expression in team sports. Painting, sculpting, ceramics and other art projects continue to be of interest. Toys suggestions: sport equipment, bicycle and helmet, advanced construction sets, models kits, magic sets, art supplies, remote control vehicles, and electronic games.
