Toys for Toddlers Washington DC

Toddlers are explorers and experimenters.  There's a lot happening in their development - the biggest change is learning to walk. Choose toys which will enhance your toddler's eye-hand coordination.

Toys for the 12-18 month old toddler:

• Bath toys - boats, watering-cans, and windup toys
• Stubby crayons and paper
• A variety of musical instruments such as shakers, drums, and a xylophone
• Shape sorter
• Simple cars
• Beads to thread and rings which stack on a post 
• Building blocks
• Soft toys or dolls
• Nesting cups - children love to figure out how they all fit together
• Very simple tray puzzles - up to 4 pieces - you'll probably need to help them with these

Once your toddler becomes older (18-24mths) he'll make some enormous strides in several developmental areas. Speech will start to really take off. Your toddler will be a confident walker and may even run! He'll begin to scribble and show an interest in turning pages in books.

Toys for the 18-24 month old toddler:

• Stubby crayons and stubby markers
• Soft dolls or toys
• Simple cars
• Ride on toy: by this age your toddler may be ready for one of these. As your toddler should now have the ability to learn how to push himself along with both feet on the floor. Choose a sturdy design
• Pull along toy: these are great for coordination and balance
• Small slide: just fun!
• Paddling pool: all toddlers LOVE to splash in the water and play with their toys in the water. ALWAYS closely supervise - never leave a child alone near water
• Painting: sure it's messy - but your toddler will love you for it
• Puzzles: still keep them simple
• Shape sorter: at this age they can be a bit more complicated