The 10 essential educational toys for toddlers
It's often said that our little ones are like sponges, as they easily absorb new information and experiences. Seen this way, it’s not surprising! At this age, their cognitive, motor and social development is growing. Moreover, the toys they use can have a very significant impact on their growth.
In this article we will look at 10 educational toys for toddlers, discussing their benefits and mentioning recommendations for each age group.
The benefits of educational toys for toddlers
Educational toys have countless benefits for growing toddlers.
First of all, these toys are designed to stimulate aspects of cognitive, motor and emotional development in young children.
Additionally, educational toys inspire young minds to be creative.
That's not all, educational toys promote the social development of the child, because they are encouraged to communicate and interact with their environment.
Finally, by using these educational toys in groups, children can learn to share, be patient and solve problems.
10 educational toys for toddlers
Indeed, educational toys are not just fun, they also offer benefits for your child's growth. That's not all, these systems stimulate and grow their curiosity, encourage them to be creative and help them learn while gradually becoming independent.
Here are 10 ideas for educational toys which, in addition to being stimulating, do not take up much space in your toy storage.
1. Building cubes
Construction cubes are undoubtedly one of the most essential educational toys.
Indeed, these cubes offer enormous benefits for the development of children. Not only do they encourage your children's coordination and motor skills, but they also promote problem solving from a young age. Your little ones can try different combinations and create several structures, this will allow their creativity and imagination to grow.
Recommendation
Choose wooden construction cubes with different shapes and colors bright enough for toddlers. The ideal would be to choose cubes that are larger or smaller to prevent the child from eating them, or even any risk of choking.
2. Cloth books
Cloth books are also among the most popular toys for introducing young children to reading. They have soft, practical and colorful pages, thus attracting children's attention while stimulating their motor skills.
Additionally, these books often have different textures, which is a great advantage, as they provide a beneficial sensory experience. This is very enriching, as your children will not only have the opportunity to develop language, but also a better understanding of the environment around them.
Recommendation
It is important to choose fabric books with simple illustrations and easy-to-touch elements, such as buttons or ribbons.
3. The Animosa puzzles
There are many styles of puzzles, but Animosa puzzles are the most ideal for toddlers.
These are excellent tools for teaching and increasing their coordination. By trying to place each piece in its place, young children have the opportunity to implement sight and touch. That's not all, they will also learn to solve problems and have patience.
In this case, puzzles are also great tools for introducing toddlers to distinguishing shapes, differentiating colors and knowing different animals.
Recommendation
Opt for Animosa puzzles with large wooden pieces to make it easier for small hands to handle. Remember to choose attractive designs, this will increase your child's interest.
4. Construction games with integrated magnets
This type of construction game offers a new, more or less revolutionary approach.
Magnets built into the pieces allow young children to create different shapes and structures without the need for advanced coordination. Furthermore, just like puzzles, magnetic construction games encourage creative thinking and introduce basic physics.
Recommendation
There are several choices of construction games with magnets. However, it is best to choose pieces of different sizes and shapes for a varied and challenging gaming experience.
5. Musical instruments
Music is also one of the best elements for the development of toddlers. Simple and practical musical instruments such as drums, xylophones or even maracas encourage your little one's motor coordination. Moreover, playing with musical instruments allows little ones to distinguish rhythm, sounds and different tones. So this is another advantage to strengthen their hearing sense.
Recommendation
Regarding musical instruments, it is advisable to choose models adapted to the age of your child, with durable and reliable materials.
6. Board games
Who says board games aren't suitable for toddlers?
It turns out that board games are well suited to our young children.
Indeed, they can be valuable tools for improving social interactions such as sharing and cooperation.
These games also encourage the development of language, memory and problem solving in children.
Of course, games with simple rules and attractive designs would be needed to stimulate children's interest from a young age.
Recommendation
You may be wondering what kind of board games are suitable for young children?
Well, for example, simple games like “treasure hunt” or “animal game” are perfect for children. These include simple, fun challenges adapted to their developmental level.
7. Wall night lights: Fun and educational objects at the same time
Wall-mounted night lights offer much more than just light in the bedroom of young children. Indeed, these can be excellent educational tools.
For example, a night light that projects a starry sky will captivate the imagination of toddlers while sparking an early interest in astronomy and the cosmos.
If you opt for a night light in the shape of an animal such as an elephant, a swan or a teddy bear, which not only illuminates the room, but also strengthens your child's cognitive development.
By opting for wall-mounted night lights, you will not only have versatile educational gadgets, but you will also awaken your child's young mind in search of discovery.
8. Bath toys
Bathing can be both a time of play and at the same time of learning for your little ones. Who says bath, says bath toys!
Indeed, bath toys such as watering cans and floating toys have several benefits such as developing motor skills and creativity during a bath. Additionally, toddlers can be introduced to basic science concepts like buoyancy and water flow.
And yes, even by taking a bath, you can arouse the curiosity of your loved one!
Recommendation
Of course, be sure to choose bath toys with BPA-free and easy-to-clean materials to ensure your little one's safety and hygiene.
9. Sorting games
Sorting games are perfect tools for introducing toddlers to the basics of mathematics such as shapes, numbers and sizes. By classifying specific shapes based on their characteristics, young children develop their ability to recognize patterns and solve problems. In addition, these games stimulate concentration and hand-eye coordination.
Recommendation
For this type of activity, opt for sorting games with large pieces and bright colors to stimulate your child's interest.
10. The activity table
An activity board offers many possibilities to encourage little ones to stimulate their imagination. Boasting several innovative features such as gears, distorting mirrors, sliding elements and puzzles, an activity board is the ideal object to increase and promote multi-sensory learning.
Recommendation
To capture your child's attention while encouraging their curiosity, it is recommended to opt for an activity board that is durable, secure, and above all equipped with several features.
Conclusion
When we hear the word "toy", we tend to think that it is just for entertainment, but educational toys go beyond fun. This type of toys is much more than just entertainment, as they both provide an opportunity to stimulate their cognitive development, motor skills and also help them in social development.
From small construction cubes to sorting or classification games, or even fabric books and magnificent musical instruments, all toys each offer unique advantages to help our little angels develop and be independent.
By opting for toys adapted to their ages and their passion, you can be sure that this will encourage their development in a fun and enriching way.