They only want to play

Children need toys in order to discover and understand themselves and the world. But what’s best for your kiddies, and when? Here’s some guidance – and not just for Christmas time.

To begin with, here are there ground rules for grown-ups. First, don’t overload your kids with toys. Too many at once will simply overwhelm them Second, don’t take away old favorites – even if doggy, teddy, or dolly has been loved to bits. And third: suggested age ranges aren’t set in stone. Be patient if a child can’t yet cope with some particular game. She’ll soon get the knack.

UP TO TWO MONTHS. A newborn baby doesn’t need toys – only a cozy nest. In baby’s first two months she has to get used to light and shade, voices, noises, and smells.

FROM THREE MONTHS. Now baby is really coming to grips with the world around her. Soft sounds or wind chimes are music to those little ears; she will recognize squeaky ducks in the bath and her senses of sight and touch will be stimulated by a pram chain. A small soft toy may be welcome at this stage.

FROM FOUR MONTHS. Baby will get endless enjoyment from a rattle wristband or a cuddly toy animal. Grasping toys help develop hand–eye coordination. Babies put everything in their mouths, so toys must be made of non-toxic materials. Little bells will stimulate the sense of hearing and help concentration. Soft-toned toy clocks help soothe baby to sleep.

FROM FIVE MONTHS. A cuddly animal becomes baby’s best friend and comforter, and may well accompany its young owner throughout her childhood. It’s best to choose one with a neutral expression so that baby can project a range of feelings on to it. Nervous babies may like dolls that glow in the dark. Tip for smart mothers: if baby has a favorite soft toy, buy several identical ones. This may prevent a tragedy if the first one gets lost or destroyed.

FROM SIX MONTHS. Baby starts trying to sit up, can grasp objects with assurance, and can distinguish different sounds. Vibrating animals, chiming rattles in animal shapes, and baby gyms will keep her entertained. As the first little teeth appear, a teething ring will help.

FROM 7 MONTHS. Baby now spends a lot of time enthusiastically throwing things on the ground. This is actually important, as it puts new abilities to the test. Supersoft throw-toys and dolls, leather or cloth balls, help develop fine motor skills. Toys and cuddly animals made of soft materials also stimulate the senses and foster mental development.

FROM 10 MONTHS. Baby plays, tries to move things about and pile them up, pulls on things and makes noises. This is the time for building blocks and stacking cups. They help baby learn to distinguish colors and shapes, foster the sense of touch, and develop spatial awareness.

FROM 12 MONTHS. Baby is now seriously into imitation and is dedicated to discovering what will go crash, what will roll away, and how the grown-ups will react when it does. Puzzles, pull-along, build and fit-together toys will give hours of fun; wooden railway tracks will develop fine motor skills. As soon as a child can sit up she should have her own furniture: this strengthens self-awareness. Small tools bring skill to little fingers.

FROM TWO YEARS. A good time for a mini-kitchen. Other good ideas are tabletop mazes, marble runs, and cars whose doors all really open. And no later than this, it’s time for a BIG Bobby-Car.

FROM 3 YEARS. The child wants to be constantly active: anything that goes, or can be made to go – such as a tricycle – will do the trick. A learner bike without any pedals makes a perfect introduction to cycling. These little people love roleplaying, particularly as mom to their dolls or as doctors – their first professional experience! This helps them learn how to take responsibility and look out for other people. A toy shop helps develop social awareness. Miniature garden tools and tabletop games such as color or picture dominoes, memory games, etc. are just the thing – and kids should be allowed to win at his age.

FROM 4 YEARS. A scooter helps develop the sense of balance. Marble runs and model railways develop understanding of gravity and speed and help develop reactions.

FROM 5 YEARS. Kiddies are keen to ride bikes, but they’re also capable of sitting still for longer. They’re discovering their own talents, taking an interest in engineering, the world around them, time and clothes – which means dress-up dolls. They can cut out, do handicrafts, or steer RC cars.

FROM 6 YEARS. For most kiddies this is when school starts, and the playroom is swamped by a wave of technology. If schoolkids still linger in their dream world of model figures, animals, dolls etc., that’s all to the good.