Babysitters and parents know that toddler toys are necessary elements of child care, but they are not limited to amusement. Although it is mostly used for amusement, a toddler toy is effective in many aspects of toddlers’ growth and nurture. A babysitter can use different toys for toddlers to achieve different objectives at the same time. Toddlers, for instance, will get to know their parents’ or babysitters’ behaviors and responses more as they are present during play-time. Toddlers also will get more familiar with different shapes and materials while they play with their toys. In general, a toddler’s cognitive development is heavily dependent on games and toys. Leaving aside the financial causes, this explains why a lot of time and money is devoted to the production of toys.
Games and toddler toys have had ever-increasing importance due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The reason is that toddlers and in general children have not been able to have the same amount of activity as they used to have. This article will help you with finding and choosing toys and the games that contain toys for toddlers.
Building Blocks
Building blocks are one of the most interesting choices since toddlers love their shapes and colorfulness. These toys have been used for years and are believed to be great instruments to improve toddlers’ creativity. Toddlers have the opportunity to examine these blocks and make new shapes using them which, concerning their age, can upgrade their problem-solving skills.
Shape Sorter
Sorting games including shape sorter are ideal choices for toddlers. Toddlers’ brains are ready to devour new information and shapes
Problem-solving skills are one of the most important goals of toys. Although a shape sorter might not seem a great way to achieve such skills on the surface, it perfectly suits toddlers. Since toddlers are going to see lots of shapes and forms while they play with shape sorters, it will be a good time to teach them geometric shapes. Keep in mind that overwhelming toddlers will not work and you have to teach them considering their age.
One important thing that you should be wary of, is toddlers’ safety when they play with shape sorters. Shape sorters are made in different sizes and smaller ones can have a risk of suffocation.
Ride-on Toys
Games containing Ride-on toys are great activities for toddlers as they are both thrilling and useful for the body. Many children and toddlers in Canada have not had enough activity due to the Coronavirus pandemic and this is alarming. Games played with the ride-on toys demand a large amount of energy which will guarantee toddlers’ growth and health. Although these games are typically regarded as outdoor games, babysitters can consider it an indoor option during the pandemic as well. In this case, you have to make sure all the sharp corners of the furniture are fully covered.
Scavenger Hunt
You do not always need to buy new toys in child care. Parents can gather a bunch of older ones or any object that you want, and have your own game! You can make a list of the activities that toddlers have to do or the objects that they have to find. This list can change and get more complicated through time. You can add a prize for different levels so that toddlers will be keener to do the tasks. Although this game suits children in their late toddlerhood better, you can make it more straightforward for younger toddlers. You should watch the toddlers’ interests and use your creativity.
Jigsaw Puzzle
Puzzles are important toddler toys as a toddler can take many advantages of them. Toddlers learn how to manage their time and thoughts Colorful puzzles are probably better choices as they catch toddlers’ attention easier.
Jumping Rope
Jumping rope is not exactly what one would call a toddler toy, and it suits older toddlers better. This game/activity can be done both outdoor and indoor, make sure you can find enough free space for it. It might seem obvious but you still have to explain that they must not move while they jump rope. As there are different sizes of jump ropes, babysitters should choose small ones so they will not be clumsy. As it tends to be difficult in the beginning, you have to teach toddlers step by step. Put the rope on the ground and ask the toddler to jump from side to side. In the next level ask them to turn the rope while they still do not jump. You have to explain to them that they have to turn the rope first and then jump. In this way, you can make sure that they will not fall. You can gradually ask them to jump while the rope is getting close to the ground. Keep in mind that children at this age are not supposed to do more than a few rounds.
Pretend Play (Make believe)
Most children are in love with pretend play as it pleases them to think they have a job or important role. It allows the toddlers to learn more about different roles and jobs. Pretend play actually develops toddlers’ imagination, as they will be using it all through the game. It, therefore, is a great choice for child care at home during the pandemic. There are many toddler toys that children can use while they play; toys can resemble friends or customers. Toddlers can even use kitchen utensils in pretend play, a cup can be a role or a friend. The companionship of other toddlers will be quite useful as it quickens the cognitive and verbal development of toddlers. If you want to include other toddlers, do not forget parents’ consent and taking precautions such as handwashing.
Card Games
Card games may have been the last toddler toy one would expect to find in this list for child care. Toddlers can play many different games with cards. If they are too young, you can ask them to sort them by color or try to shuffle them. If they are older, they can try to sort the colors by their suits (categories). Children in their late toddlerhood may get interested in numbers, so you may play simple games such as adding or subtracting.
Hammering and Pounding Toys
Pounding toys are joyful toys as toddlers love hitting the toys and seeing its result. You can find electrical pounding toys which have enchanting lights and sounds for children. These toys are usually colorful which gives aesthetic pleasure to toddlers and is an opportunity to learn the colors.
Play-Doh
Play-Doh was originally made as a wallpaper-cleaner but nowadays, it is a popular toddler toy. Toddlers can make any shape with this toy, which means they develop their creativity and enjoy it at the same time. Play-Dox is a safe and productive toddler toy which makes it an ideal choice for child care.
Safety of Toddler Toys
The top priority of child care is children and toddlers’ safety. You as a babysitter have to make sure of toddlers’ safety in the first place. Safety is not usually the first matter parents think of when they purchase new toys. Toys may not seem dangerous but a mistake can have serious consequences. There are many safety laws for toys in Canada to reassure you that the toys are safe, but there are still a few points. Toddlers need toys of their age and toys made for older children can be dangerous to them. If you are buying plastic toys you have to make sure that there no toxic substances used in them.
Toddler Toys and Games