‘Tis the season to shop for toys! With so many options available, parents may find it challenging to choose toys that are both fun and educational for their children. To help simplify this process, we consulted with pediatric therapists Amanda Weiner, PT, and Lauren Cox, OTD, OTR/L from Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals for their top recommendations.
Cox, an occupational therapist who has worked in Madonna’s pediatric unit since 2019, believes that the right toys can significantly aid a child’s growth.
“I think it is best to provide kids with toys that promote the next stage of development regardless of their age,” Cox said. “Children progress at all speeds and we want to continue to promote independence in age-appropriate play and environment exploration with the use of toys.”
Meanwhile, Weiner, who has 12 years of experience as an outpatient physical therapist, understands the power of play in therapy and overall child development.
“Pediatric physical therapy is unique in that we have to be creative to engage the child in the therapy activities and exercises, as opposed to older ages where you can use more traditional methods,” she said. “Play allows us to achieve the highest outcomes possible.”
So, without further ado, here are their favorite toy suggestions for the 2024 holiday season:
Best Toys for Babies: 6 months to 12 months
Cause and Effect Toys: Toys that respond to a child’s actions—like buttons that light up or play music—are excellent for improving static and dynamic balance while sitting or standing.
Tummy Time Incentives: For infants, floor mats with engaging visuals can encourage tummy time, helping them lift their heads and strengthen their neck and core muscles.
Foot Rattles: These toys encourage babies to reach for their feet, promoting the development of core strength and the ability to roll independently.
Push Toys: As children start walking, push toys can provide stability and support, helping them improve balance and coordination.
Best Toys for Tots: Ages 2 to 4
Activity Tables and Balance Bikes: Standing toys, tricycles, and balance bikes are fantastic for developing coordination and balance as older toddlers explore their mobility.
Toys for Sensory Processing: For children dealing with sensory processing issues, certain toys can offer therapeutic benefits. Sensory bins filled with various textures, along with toys that stimulate multiple senses, can be particularly helpful. Weiner noted it’s always a good idea for parents to consult with their child’s therapist for personalized recommendations tailored to their specific needs.
Pretend Play: While pretend play items and costumes promote kids’ creativity and imagination, the physical activity also helps children develop motor skills and body awareness.
Color Tasks: Coloring books or sheets can encourage children to focus on one task at a time, increase their social-emotional learning, and strengthen fine motor skills.
Puzzles: When a child puts together the pieces of a puzzle, a myriad of cognitive skills are being developed, including spatial awareness, problem-solving, and hand-eye coordination. This process also enhances their logical thinking and visual memory abilities.
With the holiday season approaching, parents can take these insights into account to choose toys that not only entertain but also promote healthy growth and development. Happy shopping, and remember: play truly is a child’s work!