Toy shops and online stores offer thousands of products marketed as educational for toddlers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) takes a simpler view: the best toys match a child’s developmental abilities while encouraging new skills, and simple, inexpensive objects are among the best ways to support creativity. This guide explains how to choose toys and books safely and wisely, and how to judge parenting resources and information. It is general parenting education; we do not rank products, and our approach is described on How We Review.
What makes a good toddler toy?
The AAP’s clinical report on selecting toys for young children, summarised on HealthyChildren.org, says ideal toys match a child’s developmental abilities while encouraging the growth of new skills. For ages 1 to 3, it suggests items such as blocks, empty containers, wooden spoons, shape sorters and puzzles, and notes that simple, inexpensive objects support creativity. It also recommends toys that are not overstimulating and encourage imagination, and notes research suggesting tablet-based toys may delay social development in young children.
| Type | Examples | Supports |
|---|---|---|
| Building | Large blocks, stacking cups | Hand skills, problem solving |
| Pretend play | Toy kitchen items, dolls, empty containers | Language, social understanding |
| Puzzles and sorters | Chunky puzzles, shape sorters | Problem solving, coordination |
| Movement | Push toys, large balls, ride-ons | Balance, strength |
| Creative | Chunky crayons, washable paints | Fine motor skills, expression |
| Books | Board books, touch-and-feel books | Language, attention, closeness |
Toy safety checklist
The AAP’s ten toy-buying tips, in brief:
- Read the label for age and use guidance.
- Think large: toys and parts bigger than your child’s mouth.
- Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air.
- Avoid very loud toys.
- Choose well-made stuffed toys with secure parts and tight seams; avoid pellet or bean-like stuffing and remove loose ribbons or strings.
- Buy sturdy plastic toys that will not break into sharp pieces.
- Avoid toxic materials; look for “non-toxic” labelling.
- Keep hobby kits and chemistry sets for children 12 and older.
- Check electric toys are UL approved.
- Be careful with crib toys; keep soft objects and anything that could cause entrapment or strangulation out of the crib.
The AAP’s choking guidance adds balloons (a risk up to 8 years), coins, marbles, toys with small parts and button or coin batteries to the list of hazards. Check second-hand toys for loose parts and recalls.
Choosing books
- Board books survive chewing and page-turning by small hands.
- Interactive books that invite touching, pointing and naming objects, which the AAP recommends for two-year-olds.
- Repetition and rhyme: toddlers love hearing the same book many times.
- Everyday themes such as bedtime, food, animals and feelings.
- Libraries make it easy to rotate books and attend story times.
Reading daily is one of the simplest ways to support language; see our toddler development guide.
Parenting books and resources
Parenting advice is everywhere, and quality varies. When judging a book, website, course or app:
- Who wrote it? Look for authors with relevant qualifications or organisations such as the AAP, CDC or ZERO TO THREE.
- Is it based on evidence? Good resources explain where advice comes from and avoid absolute promises.
- Is it up to date? Safety and health guidance changes; check publication dates.
- Is it selling something? Be cautious of advice tied to a product.
- Does it fit your child? No single method suits every family; your pediatrician can help you weigh advice.
Reliable starting points include HealthyChildren.org (the AAP’s parent site), the CDC’s developmental milestones and Milestone Tracker app, and ZERO TO THREE. See books and materials and parent guides.
Toys by age within the toddler years
| Age | Often enjoyed | Safety notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12–18 months | Push toys, stacking cups, board books, large balls | Everything goes in the mouth: all parts must be larger than the mouth |
| 18–24 months | Shape sorters, simple puzzles, pretend kitchen items, chunky crayons | Supervise crayons and play dough; check labels for age guidance |
| 2–3 years | Dress-up, larger building sets, ride-ons, matching games | Ride-ons away from stairs, pools and roads; keep small-part toys for older siblings stored separately |
Ages are approximate; choose by your child’s abilities and the manufacturer’s age label, which reflects choking risks as well as development.
Gifts and hand-me-downs
Relatives often give toys meant for older children. Store those until your child is old enough, especially sets with small pieces, batteries or magnets. Check hand-me-downs for loose parts, cracked plastic and recalls before use.
How many toys does a toddler need?
Fewer than you might think. A small selection, rotated every week or two, keeps toys interesting and makes tidying manageable. Everyday household objects (safe containers, wooden spoons, boxes) often hold attention as well as bought toys.
Frequently asked questions
Are electronic “learning” toys worth it?
The AAP favours simple toys that encourage imagination and interaction with adults over screen-based or overstimulating toys. Talking, reading and playing together matter most.
How do I check toys for recalls?
Search the product on the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recalls site, especially for second-hand toys and children’s products.
Activity ideas are in everyday toddler activities. All resource guides are under Parenting Resources.
Should toddlers have toys with batteries?
Battery toys can be fine if the battery compartment is secured with a screw and the toy is labelled for the child’s age. Poison Control advises securing battery compartments and keeping button batteries out of reach.
Are wooden toys safer than plastic?
Not automatically. Safety depends on size, construction, finish and age labelling. Check that wooden toys have no splinters or small detachable parts and that paints are non-toxic.
