Christmas is approaching and something fundamental to hit with the gifts of the little ones is that the toys that we buy them are suitable for their age, since if they are for children younger or older than the recommended age they could feel disinterested or frustrated with them.
Let's see what are the best toys for young children (until approximately three years), but not before remembering that almost any object (that does not involve danger) can be a toy if we put imagination, and that the best games are those that share with parents.
What to consider before buying?
First of all, it is worth checking that they are safe toys and see the information that manufacturers include in the labels and in the instructions of the different toys, because here, among other data (it is important that they are approved), the age at which the toy is directed appears.
It is important to take into account the adaptation to the different ages or evolutionary stages, not only to get the most out of the toys but because a toy that is not intended for young children can be dangerous for them.
In Babies and more, what to give for Christmas? The most recommended toys for each ageFor children under three years of age, toys that do not contain small parts must be purchased that can be ingested, since there is a risk of drowning.
It is recommended to acquire toys that have different textures, shapes, colors, that stimulate the sensitive perception, that the smallest ones can touch, bite (explore with the mouth), differentiate sounds… In addition, games and toys that allow discovering the environment and that enhance experimentation. Let's see some examples.
Some games suitable for young children
Zero to six months: rattles, crib mobiles, stuffed toys, rubber toys, teethers, mirrors and carpets or activity blankets ...
Six to twelve months: balls of different sizes, ragdolls, sound and light toys, plastic books ...
The games of lace (puzzles, puzzles, mechanics, models, fittings of geometric figures ...) are appropriate from the year of age onwards, since they have varying degrees of difficulty. In this way, there are puzzles of few pieces for children of one year and other more complex for children of five and older.
In Babies and more, what to give to children for Christmas? Follow the four gift ruleThese games contribute to fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, differentiation of shapes and colors, reasoning, spatial organization, attention, concentration ... and promote self-esteem, like all shared and self-improvement games.
12 to 18 months: stuffed toys, buckets to fit and stack, plastic boats, fabrics, drag toys, tricycles, walkers ...
18 to 24 months: cars, trucks, tricycles, blackboards, paintings, musical instruments, games to fit pieces, dolls, stuffed animals ...
Two to three years: tricycles, shovels, buckets, carts, puzzles, paintings, kitchens and kitchen accessories, modeling clay, drums and guitars, toy phones, dolls, stuffed animals, first word books, stories ...
In this last stage children are already able to handle smaller figures and the symbolic game makes its appearance. Thus, they will love to put themselves in the place of a father or mother, from different trades, they will become superheroes, cooks, hairdressers ... Creativity and imagination develop.
They also develop fine and thick motor skills, being able to manipulate children's scissors, make cut-outs, paint with greater precision ... and the playground expands. In addition, all the stories we read to you, illustrated stories, will be good playmates. These are just some suggestions, do not miss below the articles dedicated to toys recommended for different ages.
Maybe you wonder, What about electronic toys? Video games, applications on tablets or mobile phones, various little machines ... They can entertain and teach young children, but you have to use them in moderation, both for visual problems that can lead to excessive use and for everything that is lost in front of the screens .
In any case, you also have to look at the recommendations of age of applications, games ... which in general are not aimed at children so young.
Definitely, there are some games and toys more appropriate for young children, up to three years. The important thing is not that the toy is expensive, but that it stimulates and entertains the child, and that we play with them. And enjoy playing on vacation!
