Developmental Toys for the First Five Years

First time parents are often uncertain about the development of their child. They are not always sure how to encourage their child's growth in the many areas that need their gentle guidance. That's why developmental toys can be so useful in those first five years of a child's life. Before they go off to school and learn, they must learn the basic milestones of their young lives. From crawling and walking to talking and counting, social and motor skills and finally reading and listening, children have so many things to learn. Parents can help them learn these skills with the aid of educational and developmental toys and games.

Year One

In the first year of baby's life there are so many things to learn, visual, audio and tactile skills and then physical fine and gross motor skills.

Some great toys for babies to develop their visual, audio and tactile skills are soft toys with dials and buzzers, squeakers and patches. Rattles with bells and books with bright colours and shapes and bold lines.

As baby gets older and wants to move, toys like play mats with bells and texture pads and hanging toys are great to develop rolling and grabbing. Walkers and jumpers are great for strengthening legs and balance.

Year Two

In the second year a baby learns to walk and talk and develop higher motor skills with hands and feet.

Balls are great for two year olds, to kick and push around. Wagons are great for pulling and pushing. Blocks are good for stacking and building. Shovels will help them discover sand and soil. Two years old love water play and a water table is invaluable in the summer months.

A two year old will love to hear stories and songs from books and will appreciate finer detail in pictures and colour.

Year Three

As a child grows, their ability to pretend and use their imagination really starts to develop. Brands like Fisher Price and Little People are great for toys that provide props for role play and scenarios.

A three year old is better able to hold a pencil or crayon and will love to scribble and draw on paper and chalk boards. A three year old also begins to imitate mum and dad, and may like to use a toy telephone or pram, or drive a car or put things in a bag or basket.

Three year olds like to get busy in the garden or at the beach with shovels and buckets.

Year Four

A four year old has become rather proficient at many things like walking, running, jumping and dancing. They will enjoy ball games and out door games like sand pit and wading pools and sprinklers.

At four children love to dress up and play out their favourite character or scenario, so providing some simple costumes and props will encourage lots of role play.

A four year old might like to use an instrument to play along to their favourite song. They like to blow bubbles and get a little more sophisticated in their craft activities. Perhaps providing safety scissors, glue and glitter will allow some creative energies to flow.

Year Five

Once a child is five they will learn to read and write. Books become very important to school age children and they provide the opportunity to practice their new skills.

A five year old can now participate in more complex activities such as board games and computer games, more complex puzzles and experimental play such magnets and science based kits.

Girls might become more interested in their appearance and they might like to explore role play with barbies and doll houses and jewellery making kits.

There are a wonderful variety of toys to suit all children at an age, just try and choose learning toys that encourage active rather than passive participation.

Best Toys For 18 Month Old Kids

If you've been thinking about the best toys for 18 month old kids remember children are absolute sponges when it comes to learning. When you think about all of the major milestones they learn in their first two years of life it really is amazing. Toys are an integral part of that learning process and foster development in your child. The right toys at the right time will bring a lot of joy.

18 month old children are really at a very unique age. They are still babies in many senses of the word but they are also beginning to exhibit some very independent behavior. By this age there are certain things you can use as a base to see that a child is developing normally, or identify when they may not be and seek professional advice.

What they can and can't do with simple toys and objects is a great indicator for parents and care givers. We may not have a handbook on parenting but there are a solid set of measures used to see your 18 month old has normal development.

Types of Development

Children develop in a few ways as they grow. Here are the major areas:

* Social Skills- how they might act socially and interact with people around them. This can be family, friends, other children, child care providers, and strangers. How they understand and respond to the emotions of others is another important social skill.

* Gross Motor Skills- Take in the major muscle groups that are used to walk, run, sit, stand etc. All of these things they will learn by the age of 18 months. There's also keeping balance, climbing and moving from one position to another.

* Fine Motor Skills - These include the smaller movement and many hand-eye coordination activities. Using the hands to eat, writing, drawing, get dressed, catch a ball etc.

* Cognitive Skills - This encompasses the brain activities of thinking, memory, problem solving, and reasoning (if you leave the room you are still there and will be back, for example). You could say that all developmental skills rely on the cognitive.

* Language Skills - This area includes not only speech but the body language and gestures in communication with others. It is clear that babies understand a lot more than they can speak to us about and they have many ways of letting us know there needs without speech.

What Should An 18 Month Old Be Capable Of?

Remember that all children can learn differently and thrive in some areas. But there are some ways to ascertain what is known as a normal development for an 18 month old. Once you can understand each of the developmental skill categories and where the average 18 month old should be, then you begin to see clearly which toys are going to be the best for them to learn with.

Toys designed to fulfill their learning needs will keep them satisfied, and advancing normally in their learning journey. The following is a guide and not by any means an exhaustive list, nor meant as professional advice. The list will help you to buy the right toy for this age group.

Motor Skills -Both Gross and Fine

* Enjoys pushing, pulling and dumping things

* Runs with rigid movements and can keep eyes on the ground

* Can turn book pages

* Can stack two blocks on top of each other

* Can remove hats, socks, mittens etc

* Scribbles with crayons and thick pencils

* Walks unaided with good balance

Cognitive Skills

* Identifies an object in a book

* Can laugh at actions they see as funny (using a box as a hat for example)

* Knows something out of sight is still there and looks for it

* Can fit objects the correct shape together (square lid onto a square box)

* Does problem solving which involves trial and error

* Can understand and follow simple directions with one step

Social and Language Skills

* Can seem a little selfish

* Will compete with other children for the toys

* Like to play alone on the floor with toys

* May still be anxious when separating from parents

* Actively looks for attention

* Can use eight to ten words that are said clearly

* Points to objects and uses one word descriptions

* Can play pretend games with adult

* Draw your attention to an object or to an action

* Can place words like Bye, Hi, Please and remembers to use them when prompted

* Can communicate frustration and make a protest

* Will ask for mum or dad in a specific manner

* Can recognize themselves in a mirror or in photographs

Best Toys for the 18 Month Old Child

So now a good picture of educational and developmental toys becomes apparent. With not too much trouble there are many choices available in toys and they don't have to cost the earth. Just be sure they are sturdy and safe as they are likely to take some banging and crashing together quite often.

Here are a few that come to mind:

* Large blocks

* Toys with wheels that can be pushed and pulled

* Simple hide and seek games

* Shape puzzles and games

* Dolls and soft toys

* Sturdy and colorful books

* Low climbing toys

* Crayons ( but protect your walls)

* Simple dress ups

* Basic role play (kitchen sets, tea party, shops)

* Simple puzzle and problem solving games and activities

Being 18 months old puts your child right into the middle of the toddler toys in the 1-3 years age group. Look for toys by Playskool and Little Tikes.

Why Are Wooden Toys Classics?

Why are wooden toys classics?

It is easy to be tempted in the store to look at and buy the latest and greatest, flashiest new toy on display. But, we have all found that the classic wooden toys are the ones that stand up to the test of time both in terms of durability, stimulating and holding children's interest, generation after generation.

I let out a chuckle when I saw the classic wooden duck on a string among my daughter's first birthday presents. I thought, "Wow I had one of those when I was a kid". And now, just as I did, my daughter pulls on the string and the duck follows her everywhere as she toddles around the house. The latest whirling, flashing thing is great for a few moments, but this duck is her friend.

It's a similar story with trains. All of my son's friends have wooden train sets. They have been played with for years and years. When they visit each other to play with all their newfangled stuff and then begin to look bored on a rainy day, its always a sure thing to ask "who wants to play trains?" Wooden train sets are never boring to either gender and for all ages.

It is easy to imagine that wooden toys are expensive because they are so durable and great for kids. But, it is fairly easy, if you look, to find a simple wooden puzzle or set of blocks at your toy store. As these toys last for a long time, you will also find them at a local garage sale for a fraction of the price - well-loved, but still in great condition. You also don't have to buy the brand-name sets (e.g. Biro wooden trains) you can find similar items at your nearest discount store (check out Ikea).

The reason that wooden toys, including: puzzles, pull-toys, trains, dollhouses, blocks and logs for building have become classics is that they stimulate children's imagination while standing up to the knocks of childhood play.

Cheap Toys For Toddlers

If you put an advertisement of toys in front of any toddler they will point to a hundred toys which interest them. Much like me at the dinner table, children's eyes are bigger than their stomachs, so to speak. It's easy to find a toy which will amuse children. It's also easy to spend a lot of money on different toys. However, it is always better for your budget to shop for toys much like you shop for clothing. In other words, buy toys which will be used for a long period of time, are useful, and wear well. So while it is easy to shop for toddler toys, allowing them to choose toys may not be the best option. In this article we'll explore some budget friendly toys for parents in which children both enjoy, and from which they also learn important skills.

 Older toddlers can benefit from dress up clothes bought at flea markets, from 'lots' on eBay and even from your closets. Clothes with buttons, zippers, and Velcro are perfect for young hands to develop dexterity and learn valuable problem solving techniques. For smaller children, age 1-3, small buttons are a poor choice as they often put them in their mouths and can swallow and choke on the buttons, however, using Velcro, zippers and snaps can help them just as easily. Old clothes and dress up clothes are relatively cheap toys in which any child can benefit from using. Don't forget to include old shoes with buckles, laces (for older toddlers) and purses with unique closures.

Puzzles are one of those toys that children of all ages have a lot of fun putting together. Often I've found myself just as interested in building the puzzles with children. There are large puzzle piece sets for younger toddlers, with 25 extremely large pieces, and smaller piece puzzles as they get older. Puzzles are a great way to develop motor skills, creativity, problem solving, and pattern awareness. You can even have special puzzles made that teach your children unique things. For example, you could take a picture of the local flowers in your area and teach children about those special properties. Locally we have blueberry bushes and wild strawberry plants and I like to make puzzles based on those and other edible plants nearby.

Children really enjoy any toy from old dolls to new Legos. There aren't many wrong choices a parent can make. Just keep in mind that children from age 0-4 like to put almost everything in their mouths; and that smaller pieces, buttons, eyes, and doll hair, can get stuck in their throats. Other things to watch out for are toxic paint, and smaller cut out toys that children can get their hands stuck inside. Use dolls with painted eyes, and no hair to avoid problems with children under the age of 3.

Smart Toys For Smart Babies

The most relevant stage in learning starts from being a toddler. What baby learns during this stage will reflect throughout his growth. Toddler educational toys are the most effective tool that will cultivate their knowledge. Educational toys are entertaining. It's the reflection of fun and laughter. Provide your child a lot of learning opportunities through wide variety of toys: Toys for bath time, toddler cubes, books, puzzles, roller coaster toys, shape sorter, soft toys stackers, wooden toys, DVDs and CDs. Widen a child's imagination with books - they are windows to the world. Supply chunky board books, ABCs, animal books, music & shapes, word books, flap books, bath book and coloring books.

As parents, it's totally challenging and yet greatly rewarding to raise kids. Having enough time to play with your child is a great opportunity for you to learn more about your own kid. We have to understand that every child is unique; each one has specific way of cruising through the milestones of physical, mental and social development. Parents do there best to raise kids to be smart and happy to be who they are. Even in early years of a child, we can start to shape their life. While other parents use television, play station and 3D games as a tool to keep their child entertained. This can lead to disabilities in learning. Children can gain hearing problems that leads to difficulty in language development from watching television.

Toys must be carefully selected. Find the most appropriate toys that stimulate learning abilities and fun to play with. Through toddler educational toys children discover themselves, their environment and their social life. Their toys become instruments in building their creativity, leadership skills and personality as well. Playing educational toys is the best foundation for a successful future.

Play can enhance a child's growth in all areas. Different toys give specific development and experiences for your baby.

Toddlers are like sponges. They absorb concepts through playing. Our role as parents is to choose appropriate toys for their age. Toys must be well-designed & durable. It should expand a child's ability, such as in arts & crafts, reading, verbal skills, music and movement. Keep in mind that what we can offer our child in not just enjoyment, but also what kind of benefit toys will deliver. Encourage them to take their first steps in learning into a fun and enjoyable way.

In addition, to maximize playing for your child's development, there are several points we have to remember.

o Set a proper and favorable area in playing. It must be safe, hygienic and non-smoking zone.
o Look for proper clothes that promote comfort and freedom of movement.
o Give them educational toys where in they can reap the benefits for their growth

Parents must be patient with their child as they found gladness in even small accomplishments. Share excitement as your child discovers the world through shapes, colors, sounds and textures. Make fun in learning a priority. Embrace the importance of toddler educational toys in providing a step-by-step success. Remember, the future of your child lies in your hands.

Some Facts About Wooden Toys

Wooden toys are one of the easiest but most neglected sources of entertainment for the kids in modern times. Toys are one of the earliest invented objects by humans. In the initial stage, man started developing things out of stone. But as time progressed, he learnt the art of carving things out of wood, either by the help of stone or metal. This was the beginning of the story of wooden toys.

One of the most popular items among these toys is the wooden building blocks. Building blocks are constructive in nature and they help to instill a positive psychology in the kid's mind. There are other types of toys like puzzles and sorting games. All these help in the overall mental development of the kid, which is surely to help him in the future.

Toy trains made of wood have been a popular attraction among kids for many years. These trains, zooming around in the tracks, give the kid, a sense of thrill and excitement. He gets his initial sense of what speed means and the genes of a racer start developing in his cells.

In the world of today, the majority of the kids are hooked to either plastic toys or video games. It cannot be denied that both of these are very attractive and grab the young's attention in no time at all. But, it is a fact that these things are too much artificial to the core and the kids will miss the essence of nature while spending time with these things. Toys give the sense of nature and shape the child's mind accordingly.

Wooden toys are being made in various countries throughout the world. They provide a unique glimpse in the enchanting world of wooden toys.

One of the most famous types of wooden toys from India is the 'Channapatna Toys'. These toys have a long history, dating back to the reign of Tipu Sultan. One of the evidences of the popularity of these toys is the recognition they have received from World Trade Organization (WTO). Toy trains made of wood were being manufactured in the US in the early part of the 20th century.

One of the well-known companies in the 1930s which were making toy trains was the Skaneateles Handicrafters. In Europe, one of the majors in toy making is HABA. It is a German company, producing some of the best toys for the kids and their products can be found in display in any part of the world. These are some of the best wooden toys for the kid that the world has offered till now. There are many others in other companies making quality wooden materials for the kid.

Fireman Sam toys to buy online - The Kids Will Love 'Em

He is the hero of the fire next door who loves children of all ages. Fireman Sam, and had the gift, a set of toys that are perfect. The range of Fireman Sam toys are very popular with children of all ages across the world - both boys and girls. The range of toys is so great that it is something for everyone, from Fireman Sam action figures, puzzles, bedding, DVDs at a fire station play set complete with motorcycle parts!

L 'popular in the field of action figures are the most famous entertainers. In fact, you are with your children, as is involved in all the adventures of Sam and his trusty fire truck memories Jupiter. Many of the range of action figures are articulated so as to move his arms and legs, so that children relive their favorite moments in the series.

The beauty of the range Fireman Sam Action Figure that not only the figures of fun, butthey can also be used to teach children to consider important lessons on fire safety and will hopefully inspire the younger generation of fire fighting, as a potential career.

Ponty Pandy is a popular venue for all the adventures of Sam and the latest DVD in the village comes to life as it is masterly restored using the latest CGI technology. Most of the shows are old and new on DVD and can be as little as £ 3 costs - there is a real deal and keep the childrenentertained for hours.

There are children as well as bedding for your child to go to sleep at night, knowing that they may have handled the hero next door.