AGE-APPROPRIATE TOYS
The following is a list of toys that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends for specific age groups. Use these recommendations when shopping for toys. However, always remember that these are merely guidelines. Parents should continue to watch out for mislabeled toys and always provide proper supervision for children.
Newborn to 1-Year Old Baby
Choose “eye catching” toys that appeal to your baby’s sight, hearing, and touch.
- Large blocks of wood or plastic
- Pots and pans
- Rattles
- Soft, washable animals, dolls
- Large balls
- Busy boards
- Floating bath toys
- Squeeze toys
- Musical toys
1- to 2-Year Old Toddler
Choose toys that are safe and able to withstand a toddler’s curious nature.
- Cloth or plastic books with large pictures
- Sturdy dolls
- Kiddy cars
- Musical tops
- Nesting blocks
- Push and pull boys (remember, no long strings)
- Stacking toys
- Toy telephones
2- to 5-Year Old Preschooler
This age group loves toys to experiment with and to imitate the activity of parents and older children.
- Books (short stories or action stories)
- Blackboard and chalk
- Building blocks
- Crayons, nontoxic finger paints, clay
- Hammer and bench
- Housekeeping toys
- Outdoor toys: sandbox (with a lid), slide, swing, play house
- Transportation toys (tricycles, cars, wagons)
- Tape or record player
- Simple puzzles with large pieces
- Dress-up clothes
- Tea party utensils
5- to 9-Year Old Child
The young school-aged child needs toys that promote skill development and creativity.
- Blunt scissors, sewing sets
- Card games
- Doctor and nurse kits
- Hand puppets
- Balls
- Bicycles
- Crafts
- Electric trains
- Paper dolls
- Jump ropes
- Roller skate
- Sports equipment
- Table games
10- to 14-Year Old Child
Hobbies and scientific activities are ideal for this age group
- Non-violent or educational computer games
- Sewing, knitting, needlework
- Microscopes/telescopes
- Table and board games
- Sports equipment
- Hobby collections
