Toys 12-18 months

When choosing toys it is important to keep both the child's development as well as personality in mind.

Toys for this 12-18 month old children chould include:

• Simple to work jack-in-a-box;
• Music boxes and rattles;
• Stacking rings & cups;
• Snap lock beads;
• Bath toys;
• Small boats for the bath and paddling pool;
• Climbing frames and slides;
• Toy telephone;
• Toy house and people;
• Small riding toys;
• Colouring in material;
• Simple puzzles &
• Books – these should be textured books with bright pictures.

When buying toys always keep a look out for any of the following:

• Safe little cars – check that there is no removable parts.
• Bubbles – this will keep your little one entertained for hours, and we use it when she baths to make sure she looks up, so we can get in under her chin, and also to rinse her hair.
• Small adult looking dolls – these are great for role-play and will come in handy throughout their growing up.
• Magic slate
• Fat crayons – once your little one fiends their creative side a little Picasso is sure to follow.
• Balls, balls and more balls – you can never have too much, make sure you get different textures and sizes.
• Blunt-pointed scissors
• Paint with water books – although this is not a creative release it does allow your toddler the opportunity to practice their paint strokes, while you get to not worry about the mess.
• Play-Doh – if you don't want to make your own keep an eye out for these.
• Buckets and spades
• Big plastic trucks and cars – find the safe and simple ones
• Small plastic figures & animals – they are great for packing and unpacking.

Remember to check toys for:

• Safety;
• Quality &
• Sturdiness.

For a home-made clay recipe click here.


Sources:
Marzollo, Jean - Supertots A Parent's Guide to Toddlers.  Published 1980 – Great Britain | George Allen
Stoppard, Miriam Dr. - Ken jou kind. Herdruk 2005 Published 1991 – Great Britain under title Test your child | Dorling Kindersley Limited