Families For Life | Choosing the Right Toys for Your Child-Babies

At one year old, your child is busy exploring how things work. They may enjoy picking things up, dropping them, rolling them, stacking them and making sounds. You don’t need a large collection of expensive toys to encourage this learning. Simple toys and everyday objects can provide plenty of opportunities for discovery.

Choose toys that can be played with in different ways

Look for simple, open-ended toys that allow your child to explore rather than toys with only one purpose.

Good choices for a one-year-old can include:

• Blocks for holding, stacking and knocking down

• Balls for grasping, rolling and throwing

• Boxes and containers for putting things in and taking them out

• Simple musical toys that your child can shake or tap

Safe household objects can also become interesting playthings. Plastic containers, pots, baskets and other everyday items can encourage your child to experiment and explore.

Make safety a priority

Always check the recommended age range and safety information before giving your child a toy. Avoid toys or household objects with small parts that could be swallowed or pose a choking risk. Water beads and magnetic ball toys should not be given to young children because they can be dangerous if swallowed.

Remember, you are part of the play

At this age, your involvement can make even the simplest toy more engaging. Sit with your child, roll a ball back and forth, stack blocks together or make sounds with a simple instrument.

Follow your child’s interests and let them explore in their own way. The value of a toy is not about how elaborate it is, but the opportunities it gives your child to explore, interact and play.