What are the best educational toys for babies and toddlers?
By astromama
@astromama (1221)
United States
February 15, 2007 1:46am CST
I am looking for some toy ideas for babies/toddlers. My family is intent on giving me a baby shower even though I already have most things I'll need for the new arrival, so I apparantly have to give them a list of stuff to buy. I know we want to do wooden toys for sure, as they seem safer to chew on. Do you reccomend a particular toy or toys? What was your child's favorite thing to play with as a baby? Toddler?
1 person likes this
6 responses
@anij34 (317)
• United States
15 Feb 07
I know that the popular thing to do is to buy all these noisy electronic toys, movies, and even video games for infants and toddlers. My theory is that our kids have the rest of their lives to eat bad and watch lots of tv.
My personal rule is that no electronic toys are allowed in the house at all. My daughter only watches an hour of tv a day...and even then its PBS. As a result of only giving her brain stimulating toys (LOTS AND LOTS OF PUZZLES, blocks, balls, baby dolls etc) she tests out at 1-2 yrs ahead of her age group. She is 4 and tests at a 5 and 6 year old level.
Wooden toys are wonderful!!! Go with that!! Doug and Melissa is a great Brand.
1 person likes this
@astromama (1221)
• United States
15 Feb 07
I like the idea of puzzles... or things that pop up when you either push, crank, or pull a certain part. I think babies of a certain age become fascinated with what i call 'reaction' toys... they learn to expect a response when they push that button, and are so proud of themselves! I don't plan on doing any electronics, or TV, which is why I plan on making them a list of toys we will use. Balls and blocks are excellent... Big wooden puzzles sound perfect. thanks for the tip.
@michelledarcy (5220)
•
15 Feb 07
I found the best toys that my children had were baby einstein ones or leap frog ones. They are educational and fun.
Don't ask for cuddly toys as they just sit on a shelf and never get played with.
@harwoodkp (285)
• United States
15 Feb 07
When they are babies, anything with color. Pay attention to what color they like best. This seems to continue on what their favorite color is. When they can get around a bit, I would recommed the reader rabbit series for the computer. I am still amazed on the speed my son is learning on the computer and how to use the computer.
@3225sr (97)
• India
15 Feb 07
Hi for babies some toys like noisy , like PUZZALtoys , some wehicale toys which is nun by remote are good for babies.
@jsae29 (1120)
• Philippines
15 Feb 07
Just avoid toys with long strings and ribbons, it can get wrapped around the child's neck. Make sure that there's no small parts, children always tend to put toys in their mouth, so the there's a possibilty that the child may choke with small parts of the toy. Uninflated baloon or deflated toys are also unsafe for kids as this may choke them also. Plastic toys or ceramic toys may break into pieces and leaved jagged edges that may hurt your child.
@lullabell (436)
• United States
15 Feb 07
As a mother of three, i would have to say the best toys are definately hard to name.
They really do prefer the boxes!
I learned to ask for the basics by my third like clothes but ask for the sizes they will grow into. also diapers diapers diapers. Ask for the next size up and wipes and gift cards to shoe store and toy stores. this way you can choose the things you'll need and the toys that you know they want.
